[converge in one ring]——kashitu school

Project idea

Located in Zambia' s tropical savanna climate, Kashitu School redefines educational spaces as community hubs. The design prioritizes shared use and social cohesion, placing a circular assembly hall-inspired by local vernacular architecture--and sports fields near the school edge, inviting public interaction beyond school hours.
Constructed with rammed earth walls and timber framing, the assembly hall anchors a central plaza for festivals and gatherings, fostering knowledge exchange. Classroom blocks use ICBE bricks and mono-pitched timber roofs, optimized for heavy rains and intense sun.
By merging traditional techniques with climate-responsive design, the school becomes a catalyst for community unity, transforming education into a collective experience.
The ultimate goal is to enhance the cehesion of the community. Make the school not just a school, but also an integral part of the community!

Project description

This project consists of the following components. The main areas include the teaching zone, dormitory area, cafeteria, sports field, and assembly space. The teaching zone includes 5 classrooms, a faculty office, three laboratories with their respective equipment storage rooms. The dormitory area consists of separate dormitories for male and female students, as well as an infirmary, with a total capacity of 400 people.

Technical information

The assembly building features rammed earth infill walls with a timber structural framework. The cafeteria utilizes ICBE bricks for infill walls within a reinforced concrete frame structure. Both the dormitory and teaching buildings employ ICBE brick infill walls supported by timber structural systems.