Kashitu Secondary School Rebuilding

Idea projektu

With the core concept of “Education as Infrastructure, School as Community Center”, the project promotes a sustainable, low-tech and maintainable building design strategy. By respecting the local climate, culture and construction practices, the project utilizes local materials (e.g. compressed earth, reclaimed wood) and passive design (e.g. natural ventilation, shading) to create a school that is resilient to weather extremes, serves multiple years, and promotes a sense of community engagement and belonging.

In addition, the project emphasizes the shared use of flexible spaces and the diversity of social functions: classrooms double as evening classes and community meetings, the cafeteria serves as a venue for festivals and medical lectures, and the playground serves as a play space as well as a stage for community gatherings and cultural celebrations.

Popis projektu

Kashitu district, located in the rural hinterland of Zambia, is a poorly resourced but socially cohesive community. The current Kashitu school facilities are dilapidated and do not provide a basic safe learning environment for local children. Due to the age of the building and its lack of insulation, ventilation and waterproofing, teaching and learning are often interrupted during the rainy season and exposed to high temperatures during the dry season. At the same time, teaching resources and space are extremely limited, severely constraining the potential for educational development.

This project responds to the call for “Quality Education (Goal 4)” and “Sustainable Communities (Goal 11)” of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to enhance educational equity and community self-empowerment through architectural reconstruction.

Technické informace

Located in the savannah climate zone of Zambia, the project utilizes locally stabilized earth bricks (CSEB) and timber frame roofing, combined with a metal roof and rainwater harvesting system. The design emphasizes natural ventilation and lighting to ensure indoor thermal comfort. The building consists of classrooms, multi-purpose halls, offices and eco-latrines with good maintainability and durability. Community participation in construction and maintenance is emphasized to ensure sustainability and long-term use.

Dokumentace

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