THE LIVING CANOPY

Idea projektu

Rural regions like Kashitu in Zambia often lack access to well-designed, climate-appropriate, and community-supportive educational facilities. Existing school infrastructures are typically inadequate in addressing environmental challenges, student well-being, and long-term sustainability. Harsh climatic conditions, limited access to energy and clean water, and a disconnect between schools and local communities further worsen educational outcomes and social development.
The project draws inspiration from local cultural patterns, traditional building techniques, and the community’s deep connection to the land. The concept of a unifying canopy that flows through the campus references regional architectural language while offering practical solutions for shade, orientation, and circulation. Courtyard-based spatial planning, passive environmental strategies, and the symbolic use of communal spaces all take cues from vernacular forms of living, learning, and gathering.
There is a pressing need for educational environments that are sustainable, resilient, and reflective of local identity. Students require healthy, comfortable, and stimulating spaces that support both learning and social development. Furthermore, schools in rural areas must act not only as academic institutions but also as centers of community engagement, cultural expression, and environmental stewardship. This project addresses these needs by offering a scalable, locally appropriate, and ecologically responsive design solution.

Popis projektu

This project proposes a climate-responsive, sustainable, and community-oriented school campus in the rural region of Kashitu, Zambia. Constructed using local materials and craftsmanship, the campus aims to provide a healthy learning environment that supports students’ physical and mental development. Passive design strategies such as natural lighting, cross ventilation, and shading guide the architectural approach.

The campus is organized into three main zones: learning spaces, accommodation units, and communal/public areas. These zones are unified by an organically flowing wavy canopy that traverses the site. More than just a shading element, this canopy acts as the functional and symbolic spine of the project, guiding circulation and referencing local cultural motifs. The voids created along the canopy transform into a variety of spaces—from private courtyards for rest to open public areas that foster social interaction. The project actively encourages participation not only from students but also from the local community. Shared facilities such as the library, cafeteria, and sports areas are accessible to residents. Additionally, the central plaza and ceremonial space, located at the heart of the design, are planned for use by the local community during special events, festivals, and social gatherings. This approach transforms the school beyond an educational facility into a communal hub, fostering stronger ties between the institution and its surrounding community.

Classrooms and laboratories beneath the canopy benefit from a cool, shaded microclimate, improving the overall quality of learning. Core communal facilities such as the cafeteria, multipurpose hall, workshops, and dormitories are also integrated under this structure, establishing a cohesive architectural framework. The accommodation zone is made up of six dormitory blocks, each arranged around a semi-private courtyard that balances privacy with community living. Sloped roofs on the dormitories allow for rainwater harvesting, while solar panels on rooftops supply a portion of the school’s energy needs—both contributing to the project’s ecological sustainability.

At the heart of the campus lies a large ceremonial and activity plaza, surrounded by green areas that support cultural gatherings, recreational use, and agricultural programs. This central space serves as both a communal meeting point and a platform for community participation. Overall, the courtyard-based layout fosters a strong sense of belonging, encourages social interaction, and deepens the connection with nature.

Technické informace

The load-bearing walls of the structure utilize an interlocking cement brick system, providing durability and ease of installation. Compared to traditional brickwork, this method offers a faster and more cost-effective solution while enhancing structural integrity with high compressive strength.

For the roof support system, lightweight and durable metal truss beams were chosen. These beams allow for long-span construction without intermediate columns while maintaining structural efficiency. The roof covering consists of metal trapezoidal sheet panels, which offer high resistance to weather conditions and thermal performance. To ensure proper installation, box profiles were mounted over the trusses, creating a stable surface for the sheet panels.

Reinforced concrete slabs were used for the flooring system, adding rigidity and long-term durability to the structure. For doors and windows, natural wood framing was selected to optimize thermal insulation and enhance interior comfort.

Dokumentace

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