Belonging - Kashitu Secondary School

Escuela Superior de Ingeniería y Arquitectura/ Instituto Politécnico Nacional

Project idea

In a region like Kashitu, where access to secondary education is still out of reach for many, building a school becomes something incredibly meaningful, this project was born from that need and from the idea that education should be close, rooted in the place and the people it’s meant for.

The aim is not just to provide classrooms, but to create a full environment where learning can happen in many ways. A place that feels open, calm, and human. Every decision was made thinking about how students will live this space daily, how they’ll move between buildings, gather in shaded areas, learn both inside and outside, and feel comfortable in a space that works for them.

The project was designed with the goal of giving the community a school that reflects their way of building and living. It takes the logic of rural homes in Zambia, where each structure has a purpose, but everything works together and applies it to a full campus. The idea was always to keep the project simple and possible to build with local tools and knowledge, so the school can truly belong to those who will use it.

Project description

The campus layout was guided by how people builds in rural Zambia: with small separate structures, each serving a specific purpose, but always working together. Every part of the school is independent, yet still a part of a connected whole.

One example is the group of classrooms, which are arranged around a large tree to create a shared courtyard. Thanks to the roofs that connect them, new in-between spaces appear: places where students can gather, present their work, take a lesson outside or simply enjoy being together. These areas were designed with the idea that learning doesn’t always have to happen inside a room and that students can explore different ways of learning, connect with their surroundings, and experience education in a more open and natural way.
Some buildings, like the science labs, are grouped and connected to improve how they work together. Others, like the sick bay or the library stand alone but are still easy to reach, following a clear and open layout.

To guide the placement of the buildings, a compositional grid was developed. This grid responds to the natural surroundings, aligning with the trees already on site and following the shape of the land itself. By doing this, the layout feels balanced, visually pleasant, and rooted in the place. Because the buildings follow this grid, their relationship to each other becomes clear, and natural paths between them start to take shape.
Instead of drawing all the walkways in advance, the idea is to let people define how they move. Over time, these daily routes will slowly appear, just like when a shortcut is worn into the grass because it simply makes more sense.

Not a single tree on site was removed. They were all kept and used as part of the design, their shade helps keep the outdoor areas cool and calm, especially during the hotter months, while giving students natural places to gather and relax.
The project was also designed to grow. It can be built in stages, with the most essential parts first, and later expanded as needed. The layout stays clear and flexible, so future changes can happen without losing the character of the place.

Technical information

The main construction system uses unburnt interlocking earth bricks, made with a manual press that is already available in the community. These bricks reduce the need for firewood, helping prevent deforestation, and allow fast and efficient construction. They can be assembled easily, improving both time and safety on site.

Walls are built in either single or double layers, depending on if it's only a divisor or structural wall. The roofing system is based on a traditional thatched roof, made with local grasses supported by a simple structure of wood battens and posts. This construction method is common in rural areas across Zambia because it’s low-cost, easy to build, and naturally insulating. Using thatch helps reduce expenses and supports traditional building techniques that are already known by the community. Roof slopes allow for natural ventilation and rainwater collection, while overhangs provide shade and protect the walls from heat and moisture.

The design takes the local climate into account. Windows and doors are placed to allow cross ventilation, and buildings are oriented to reduce direct sun exposure and make use of prevailing winds. The materials help regulate indoor temperatures without needing complex systems.

All materials were chosen to be low-cost, easy to maintain, and familiar to the people who will build and use them.
The entire project was designed with simplicity, clarity, and collaboration in mind so it can be built step by step, with the community fully involved, and so that it can adapt to future needs without losing its purpose.

Documentation

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