Kwasha Center Education Community

Project idea

Kwasha Center is envisioned as a dynamic educational and community institution located in the rural area of Kasitu, Zambia. The name “Kwasha” derives from the Bemba language, meaning “support” or “help”, and encapsulates the project’s core mission: to provide sustainable, inclusive education that empowers the youth and strengthens the broader community.

Kasitu, like many rural regions in Zambia, faces challenges in access to quality education due to geographical isolation, limited infrastructure, and economic barriers. Children often walk long distances to reach school facilities that are overcrowded or under-resourced. The lack of educational opportunities contributes to cycles of poverty and social stagnation. In this context, the Kwasha Center aims to act as a catalyst for change.

The design of the Center draws from the natural landscape, embracing a low-impact architectural strategy that harmonizes with the forested surroundings and provides a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for learning. It offers not only classrooms but also flexible outdoor learning zones and gathering spaces that foster both academic and social development.

Project description

Kwasha Center is situated in the rural landscape of Kasitu, Zambia, and follows a hybrid spatial layout combining a curved loop and an L-shaped linear axis. The architectural elements are arranged along a soft circulation curve, enclosing a central indoor square (13), which forms the heart of the campus. The site structure reflects principles of clarity, inclusiveness, environmental responsiveness, and community cohesion.
The campus is designed with three interrelated layers:
Education core – classrooms and learning environments
Support and service facilities – living quarters, dining, and health
Community and interactive spaces – multifunctional hall, workshops, and outdoor learning units

Functional Zoning Breakdown
1. Academic Zone
1 Classroom：A series of well-ventilated and naturally lit teaching spaces designed to accommodate 30students each. Arranged along the main walkway for easy access.
7 Lab Classroom：A specialized unit for science and practical subjects, enhancing STEM education in a rural setting.
6 Teacher’s Office：A centralized staff office for planning, student support, and administrative coordination.

2. Living and Support Zone
2 Student Dormitory：On-campus residential units designed for students from remote villages. Clustered for community living and located near the learning core for accessibility and safety.
3 Kitchen + 4 Dining Hall：A food preparation and dining complex supporting daily meals, social nourishment, and nutrition programs.
10 Student Toilets + 11 Teacher Toilets：Separate sanitary facilities for staff and students, ensuring privacy, hygiene, and accessibility.
15 Infirmary：A small clinic for first aid, health checks, and daily medical care, placed near the main gate for emergency accessibility.

3. Community & Multipurpose Zone
5 Workshop Build：A flexible workspace for vocational training, skill development, and after-school programs.
8 Multifunctional Assembly Hall：A large-span space designed to host assemblies, performances, and intergenerational community events.
9 Watchman Building：A security booth and check-in station located at the primary entrance to ensure campus safety.
12 Honey Education Unit：A dedicated ecological learning node introducing students to apiculture, environmental stewardship, and sustainable rural enterprise.

4. Open & Interactive Spaces
13 Indoor Square：The social and symbolic core of the campus – a gathering space for play, interaction, cultural activities, and ceremonies.
14 Playground：A landscaped loop serving as a sports field and recreational walking track, promoting wellness and movement.

Technical information

Technical Specification – Structural Section Detail
Kwasha Center – Kasitu, Zambia

1. Roof System
1. Aluminized galvanized corrugated steel plate
– Lightweight, rust-resistant roofing suitable for high solar reflectivity and durability in tropical climates.

2. Self-tapping screws with rubber gasket fixation
– Secure waterproof attachment system preventing leakage and accommodating thermal expansion.

3. Hot-dip galvanized I-beam
– Steel trusses form the primary roof support structure; hot-dip galvanization enhances corrosion resistance and structural longevity.

2. Wall Construction
4. Local wall tiles
– Regionally sourced masonry blocks or tiles support sustainability and cost-efficiency while maintaining good thermal mass.

5. Cement mortar joints
– Traditional mortar finish for wall stability and bonding.

6. Reinforced concrete lintels
– Load-bearing horizontal elements above window and door openings to ensure structural integrity.

3. Vertical Support Structure
4. Round steel pipe (anti-corrosion treated)
– Vertical supports for the roof and frame system; corrosion-protected for long-term structural performance in humid environments.

8. Stainless steel anchors
– Secure base connections between steel members and foundations, preventing loosening due to dynamic loads or seismic activity.

4. Moisture & Ground Interface
7. Asphalt vapor barrier
– Impermeable membrane layer to prevent capillary moisture rise from the ground, preserving wall and floor systems.

9. Natural soil layer
– Base stratum compacted to support foundations and control subsidence.

5. Floor and Foundation System
10. Concrete base
– Shallow pad or strip footing that transfers load from vertical elements to the soil.

11. Concrete foundation
– Structural support embedded in the ground, resistant to uplift and lateral forces.

12. Cast-in-place concrete floor
– On-site poured flooring slab for structural continuity, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Design Implications
The system reflects a low-cost, durable, and easily maintainable structure suitable for rural schools in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Use of galvanized steel and reinforced concrete ensures resilience against climatic conditions such as high humidity and termite activity.

Preference for locally sourced materials and simple joinery supports labor participation and community ownership.

Documentation

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