On July 10, the results of this year's Kaira Looro international architectural competition were announced. The challenge the young architects faced was to design a model building for an elementary school in Africa. The one-story building was to be designed in such a way that it could be built in cooperation with the local community and using natural materials. The team from the Faculty of Architecture at ZUT , consisting of Krzysztof Afeltowicz, Justyna Błasiak, Michal Pietrusiewicz, was the only one from Poland to receive an honorable mention!
The design team, from left: Michał Pietrusiewicz, Justyna Błasiak, Krzysztof Afeltowicz
photo: Wojciech Bigus | Sedina studio
In today's multi-faceted crisis, thinking about sustainable architecture, environmentally friendly, properly using its resources, should be the basis of design. The task of contemporary architecture is to seek a relationship between its place, history, and the needs of users. In addition to educating children, providing them with new experiences and sensations, the elementary school building should provide a sense of security and community with the world around them, the project's authors say.
The school building has a horizontal, linear layout
© Krzysztof Afeltowicz, Justyna Błasiak, Michal Pietrusiewicz
building like a boat
The main design idea of the team from Poland was to create a place that, in harmony with the surrounding nature, would influence the development of students, providing them with proper education and opportunities for growth. An important aspect for the authors was also to understand the value of Senegalese culture.
elementary school in Senegal, projection
© Krzysztof Afeltowicz, Justyna Błasiak, Michal Pietrusiewicz
A simple, clear plan creates a strong form that interacts in space. The horizontal, linear layout refers to the rich tradition of the region, evoking associations with a boat, acacia leaf, spearhead or insect. The gentle entasis marking the edge of the building's facade affects the observer's perception, visually shortening the facade. Using the space becomes an experience, creating a dialogue between the building and the surrounding nature, the architects describe.
3R principle
In designing, the authors followed the 3R principle—reduce, reuse, recycle- and all materials and structural elements are reusable, according to circular design thinking. Meanwhile, the simple, economical design based on a rhythmic arrangement of columns reinforced with a grid of gabions allows for an open and flexible way of planning the space and its functions.
The building adapts to the needs and requirements of its users, creating three main internal zones: an open area—serving as the school's main auditorium, cafeteria and laboratory room; a teaching area—consisting of six wide classrooms; and an administrative area, combined with an observation room and offices for teachers and a storage room.
A covered, outdoor shaded terrace connects all rooms, minimizing the building's communication area. A roof section in the form of curved u-shaped gutters and retention channels surrounding the building allow rainwater to be collected.
For the interior design, the authors used simple local materials such as bamboo, wood and straw
© Krzysztof Afeltowicz, Justyna Błasiak, Michal Pietrusiewicz
natural, local materials
The designers focused on using locally available materials, influencing the economic and environmental aspects of construction. The school uses local materials that are recyclable and safe for its users. The load-bearing structure is made of wood, and the exterior walls are made of locally available stone, which is filled with gabions.
Natural materials were also used in the interior. These include walls made of stone and clay brick, and the floor, which is decorated with broken recycled tiles. The interior is connected by two types of partitions: classrooms are divided by walls made of gabions and traditional clay brick. This combination, the authors argue, offers the possibility to take down the wall and, if necessary, create an open structure of a steel gable roof, supported by wooden posts and beams.
Proper air circulation is ensured by a combination of openwork doors, shutters and partitions
© Krzysztof Afeltowicz, Justyna Błasiak, Michal Pietrusiewicz
For the interior design, the authors used simple local materials such as bamboo, wood and straw, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere. Proper air circulation is ensured by a combination of openwork doors, shutters and partitions made of wood and bamboo, and a gabled steel roof, which naturally forces air movement inside the building.
durable, simple construction
The building's foundation on concrete foundations and elevation above ground level protects it from heavy rains. The terrace allows easy access to classrooms and provides a shaded space for socializing between classes. The floor is made of an easy-to-prepare concrete mix, its top layer decorated with the aforementioned broken recycled tiles.
When designing, the authors were guided by the 3Rs principle
© Krzysztof Afeltowicz, Justyna Błasiak, Michał Pietrusiewicz
Gabions filled with local stone form the rhythm of the structural grid and the outer partitions. They are wrapped with iron wire and metal mesh, creating a stable structure. The spaces between the gabions are for openwork shutters and doors, which regulate the sunlight inside the school.
The process of erecting the building and its various elements draws on traditional and simple techniques that do not require professional construction knowledge. This gives villagers the opportunity to participate together in the construction process, thereby deepening social ties, the authors conclude.
