Busajo Campus,
design: Studio Benaim
Architecture is not a luxury reserved for a select few, but an essential tool for creating the social and cultural interaction necessary for the development of society. An example of this is the Busajo Campus, created by architects from Studio Benaim, which through its form and by designing functional spaces acts as a social catalyst, giving street children rescued from dire conditions a chance for a better future.
The two-story Busajo Campus building at the front, adjacent to the garden, with a cloudless sky in the background
Photo: Pietro Savorelli © Studio Benaim
architecture as a tool for social change
The Busajo Campus is an African complex of buildings in the city of Soddo, Ethiopia, which aims to provide shelter and new perspectives for 100 children. It's a place where students find not only spaces to learn, but also studios to learn new skills. They have the opportunity to feel loved, dignified and filled with hope.
Children sitting on the grass with the large wooden Busajo Campus building in the background
Photo credit: Pietro Savorelli © Studio Benaim
Busajo Campus also offers recreational spaces and comfort that the students living there had not experienced before. The common areas restore a sense of beauty and community, allowing children to build lasting relationships and enjoy being with each other. The campus becomes a safe place for them to grow and dream of a better future.
Floor plan and elevations of workshop buildings with marked spaces for various amenities
pic: © Studio Benaim
form and function: low-tech and architecture rooted in local culture
The 4,000-square-meter complex consists of a main building and 12 smaller structures that have been designed with the local culture and cultural traditions in which the children who live there have grown up. The complex of university buildings combines simple forms with modern solutions, harmoniously referring to regional Ethiopian building traditions.
Architectural model of the campus with buildings with pyramid roofs and a soccer field
mockup © Studio Benaim
The choice of materials and colors, such as eucalyptus, banana leaves and the red of the local soil, is inspired by tucùl - round buildings made of local materials such as clay and thatch, usually with conical roofs designed to protect from the weather while providing ventilation. Many of the children who are students at the African Busajo campus come from these traditional houses.
A translucent arcade of wooden slats overlooking the garden
Photo: Pietro Savorelli © Studio Benaim
Traditional architectural elements relate to the identity of the local community, combining functionality with the aesthetics of the space. The overall design not only integrates modernity with tradition, but also creates a safe and inspiring environment for the little ones.
Four boys stand in front of a wall in shades of orange and brown, with a textured glass window in the background
Photo credit: Pietro Savorelli © Studio Benaim
A micro-city at a cross-cultural crossroads
With its uniform materials and consistent color scheme, the campus is reminiscent of a small town, with buildings serving a variety of functions, blending harmoniously with the Ethiopian terrain. The project combines the aesthetics of contemporary European architecture with local African construction techniques.
A large rustic building with a slatted facade and chimney, next to a thatched pavilion, set on a dry grassy area under a blue sky
Photo credit: Pietro Savorelli © Studio Benaim
While the finishing touches may not seem perfect at first glance, they actually reflect the character of local craftsmanship. Such a concept ensures that the campus not only functions as an educational space, but also becomes part of a broader cultural context, promoting local traditions and skills.
A man varnishing a wooden chair in a carpentry workshop
Photo: Pietro Savorelli © Studio Benaim
sustainable architecture: innovation with local context in the background
The modern architectural complex Busajo Campus draws on local building traditions. The project by Italian studio Benaim proves that it is possible to create architecture using limited materials while moving away from fleeting trends. This approach is based on respect for the local, conditions and African culture.
An enclosed courtyard with terra cotta walls, stone tile floors, wooden doors and a partially covered roof supported by metal columns
Photo credit: Pietro Savorelli © Studio Benaim
The complex of buildings blends harmoniously with the surroundings and the history of the site, demonstrating the ability to combine innovation with tradition. Every detail has been carefully considered to create a space that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, yet accessible to residents and visitors.
Night view of the courtyard of the two-story building with illuminated windows and metal staircase
Photo: Pietro Savorelli © Studio Benaim
Thanks to modern and sustainable architectural concepts, the campus area gains a new dimension, becoming not only a place to live or work, but also to create social relationships. Designed by an Italian studio, the space allows for a dialogue between the past and the future, inspires and encourages shared discovery and sharing of experiences. Soddo's Ethiopian school complex fosters collaboration, allowing users to actively participate and be creative in exploring both history and modern perspectives.
The one-story, Busajo Campus building at night with wooden architectural elements against the starry sky
Photo credit: Pietro Savorelli © Studio Benaim
Elaborated: Natalia Ledzianowska
Illustrations provided courtesy of Benaim Studio.
