THE BREATHING WALL

Project idea

Project: The Breathing Wall Design

Project Idea and Context
The Breathing Wall Design project has been developed within the scope of an international competition seeking a design for an expandable primary school in the Kashitu region of Zambia, with a capacity for 250 to 400 students. This competition, aiming to address the educational needs of rural communities, expects a sustainable, low-cost, and locally manufacturable educational facility, including 8 classrooms, 2 workshops, accommodation units, and open and semi-open learning areas. Our project aims to propose a holistic spatial solution that is sensitive to local climatic conditions, community-based, supportive of children's learning motivation, and conducive to their psychological well-being.

Concept: The Breathing Wall and Multifunctional Spatial Interfaces
The "Breathing Wall" concept aims to provide a holistic and user-centric learning environment in the rural context of the Zambian region of Africa, supporting children's educational processes not only at a pedagogical level but also through spatial experience, emotional balance, and social interaction. The backbone of the design is formed by long wall systems that progress linearly along the site, occasionally receding inward and outward to provide spatial variety and controlled circulation.

These walls are conceived not merely as load-bearing or boundary-defining elements, but as multifunctional spatial interfaces offering spaces for education, play, rest, socialization, and storage. Strategically placed niches along the wall create micro-spatial focal points where students can sit during their free time, store books or farming equipment, keep balls, or express their creativity with chalk. The functional distribution of these niches is correlated with the surrounding program, offering ease of spatial reading and a learning environment that guides user behavior. For instance, areas for agricultural tools are proposed in wall sections near farming areas, spaces for balls are envisioned in walls near sports fields, and book and reading niches are placed near classrooms. These strategic placements function as spatial configurations supporting learning through environmental cues.

Goals and Architectural Strategies
One of the primary goals of the project is to demonstrate that an educational facility can be produced in a socioeconomically disadvantaged region, shaped by locally sensitive and sustainable principles, encouraging children to learn, and psychologically supportive. To this end, the wall systems in the developed design are treated not only physically but also as interactive spatial supporters where children can express themselves, feel safe, and socialize.

Objectives to be Achieved:
Climate Sensitivity and Passive Strategies: Physical comfort will be enhanced in the intense solar radiation climate by integrating passive climate control strategies that maximize natural ventilation through raised configurations of classroom roofs. Shaded areas created by the walls will support the active use of outdoor spaces. Spatial permeability will be achieved through the circulation scheme guided by inward and outward receding wall modules, while a continuous ecological relationship between the building and landscape will be established through integrated green axes in these areas.
Sustainable Materials and Local Production: Cost-effectiveness will be ensured by using locally produced, low-carbon footprint Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEB) for the construction of the project, creating a sustainable construction model that allows for direct participation of the local community in production. Additionally, environmental sustainability will be maximized by using natural and local materials like bamboo, thatch, and compacted earth, and roof gutters will be integrated for water conservation.
Social, Behavioral, and Psychological Impacts: Social interaction and a sense of belonging will be strengthened through the two-way wall system and niches. The psychological safety zones provided by the space will help children alleviate environmental stressors and develop balance against sensory stimuli. Through flexible use areas, individual identity construction and psychological resilience will be fostered, while principles of social equality and inclusivity will also be ensured.

Project description

Scope of the Project Solution

The Breathing Wall Design project goes beyond addressing the existing educational infrastructure deficit in the Kashitu region of Zambia by offering a multifaceted solution that integrates the local community's cultural, social, and environmental dynamics. Our scope of solution not only provides a functional educational facility but also incorporates spatial strategies that enhance users' psychological well-being and strengthen community ties.

Key Solution Areas:
1.Flexible and Expandable Educational Module: The project offers a modular structure and flexibility for growth, allowing it to accommodate 250 to 400 students. This enables the project, initially starting with 8 classrooms and 2 workshops, to be easily expanded according to future needs. Open and semi-open learning areas go beyond traditional classroom boundaries, providing adaptive spaces suitable for various pedagogical approaches.

2.User-Centric "Breathing Wall" System: Central to the design, the "Breathing Wall" functions not just as a physical boundary but as a multifunctional spatial interface. Niches and in-and-out recesses integrated along the wall offer students dedicated spaces for rest, storage, play, and creative expression, thereby increasing learning motivation and supporting individual-collective interactions. This wall is conceived as a psychological support mechanism where children feel safe, can express themselves, and socialize.

3.Passive Climate Control and Environmental Sensitivity: In line with Zambia's hot climate, the design is based on passive climate control strategies. Natural ventilation is maximized through raised roof configurations, while shaded areas created by the walls enhance outdoor comfort. The integration of green axes establishes a continuous ecological connection between the building and the landscape, contributing to biodiversity and reducing environmental stress.

4.Sustainable and Locally Focused Construction: Our solution prioritizes the use of local resources and skills. The use of natural materials such as Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEB), bamboo, thatch, and compacted earth minimizes the project's carbon footprint and enables active participation of the local community in the construction process. This approach offers not only low-cost construction but also a model that strengthens the local economy and revitalizes traditional building knowledge.

5.Community Integration and Social Sustainability: The school is designed to be more than just an educational institution; it functions as a community hub. Workshops and open areas are accessible for community activities and vocational training outside of school hours. The project reinforces a sense of ownership and supports social sustainability by involving the local population in the construction and operation processes.

This solution scope demonstrates that architecture can be more than just a physical structure; it can be a holistic tool sensitive to the needs of a community, mindful of ecological balances, and prioritizing the well-being of its users.

Technical information

Technical Specification of the Project

The Breathing Wall Design project integrates advanced local techniques and innovative practices to create a sustainable, durable, and locally integrated educational facility. Below are the key technical specifications of the project:

1. Structural System and Material Selection:
-Main Structural System: The walls forming the backbone of the project are constructed using Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEB), produced from local soil with minimal cement stabilization. These blocks enhance structural integrity while significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint by not requiring firing. ICEBs can be easily produced and assembled by local labor, supporting the project's cost-effectiveness and community participation.
-Roof Structure: The roof system is built on a bamboo framework, a locally sourced and sustainable resource. Bamboo's lightness and high tensile strength allow for spanning large openings at low cost. For roof covering, thatch, also commonly found locally and providing good insulation, has been used. This material choice enhances the building's climatic performance while paying homage to traditional Zambian architecture.
-Floor Covering: Interior floors are finished with rammed earth, locally sourced and compacted to harden. This provides a natural feel while offering thermal mass that helps regulate indoor temperatures.

2. Climate Control and Environmental Management:
-Passive Ventilation: The ventilated ridge configurations applied to the classroom roofs create a natural chimney effect, allowing hot air to rise and escape. Strategically placed openings in the walls and their sizing maximize cross-ventilation, supported by local insect screen solutions to minimize insect entry.
-Natural Lighting: Large window openings and semi-open learning areas maximize daylight utilization. This eliminates the need for artificial lighting during the day, contributing to energy savings.
-Shading Strategies: The in-and-out configuration of the walls creates natural shaded areas according to the sun's movement throughout the day. Extensions of roof eaves and pergola-like elements prevent direct solar radiation, increasing thermal comfort in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

3. Water and Waste Management:
-Rainwater Harvesting: Gutters and cisterns integrated into the roof system allow for the collection and storage of rainwater. The collected water is used for toilet flushing, garden irrigation, and other secondary uses, promoting water conservation.
-Greywater Recycling: Where feasible, simple greywater recycling systems (such as using sink and shower water for garden irrigation) are implemented to encourage efficient water resource use.
-Waste Management: The building will include designated simple waste collection points for segregating recyclable waste, and a composting area for organic waste is planned.

4. Electrical and Energy Systems:
-Minimum Dependency: The project prioritizes passive strategies to minimize energy consumption. A significant portion of electricity needs is met through natural lighting and ventilation.

5. Flexibility and Expansion:
-Modular Planning: Classroom and workshop units are designed with a modular system that allows for easy addition or rearrangement based on future student increases or new program needs. The linear configuration of the wall system enables these expansions to be organically accommodated.
-Multipurpose Areas: Both indoor and outdoor spaces are designed as multipurpose areas that can adapt to different activities and learning scenarios. This flexibility ensures the building's longevity and suitability for diverse uses.

Documentation

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