PRIMARY SCHOOL
Kaira Looro 2023 - Architecture Competition.
Located in the rural areas of South Senegal.
EDUCATION
The right to education is one of the fundamental and inalienable rights of any person, as well as a principle established in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet for more than 600 million children worldwide, this right is not guaranteed due to fragile economic, political and health conditions, the presence of conflicts, natural disasters, stereotypes and socio-cultural prejudices. In Sub-Saharan Africa, most schools are not able to offer services that can protect the student, make them feel safe, and foster the development of their potential. Without a quality education, children will not be able to acquire the necessary skills to cope with life’s problems and find useful employment to make them independent, and they will not be able to participate in the decisions that affect them, thus putting their future at risk.
Education in Senegal is compulsory for all children between the ages of six and sixteen. There are three levels of education in Senegal: pre-school, primary, and secondary. There are also private schools in Senegal, in addition to public schools.
The most common type of pre-school education in Senegal is nursery school. Primary education in Senegal is divided into six years. At the end of primary school, students take the Certificate of Completion of Elementary Studies (CFEE). There are approximately 10,000 primary schools in Senegal, with an average enrolment rate of 86%. The success rate in obtaining the CFEE is highest in Dakar (64%) and lowest in Diourbel (48%).
After obtaining the CFEE, students can continue on to middle school or secondary school. There are approximately 2,500 secondary schools and 1,000 higher education facilities in Senegal. In the transition between primary and secondary school, there is a dropout rate of between 35% and 60%. On average, 60% of students completing secondary school enrol in general or vocational-technical education.
Schools in rural areas of Senegal are often made of bricks or unfired earth bricks. Many schools in rural areas do not have access to water or toilets. The average class size in rural schools is 40-80 students. There are no indoor courtyards, laboratory rooms, classrooms, canteens or infirmaries in schools in rural areas.
DISCOVERY & GROWTH
Nestled in the small village of Bambali in rural Senegal, near Tanaff, this school is a synergy of education and community. It blends sophistication with simplicity, creating a serene and stimulating environment for active learning and personal growth. The design is inspired by the rich and diverse heritage of the people, and fosters a harmonious relationship with nature.
The school consists of two volumes protected by a lightweight roof canopy that guides children into a welcoming area. This area is a hub of social and emotional learning, where children can enjoy a meal, express their feelings, and interact with each other. The area is embraced by a semicircular wall that acts as a language of cohesion. A large tree with colorful ribbons surrounded by plants is present, where students can learn about the flora of their region.
Classrooms are bright and colorful with child-sized furniture and large boards for student artwork. The phases can be assigned colors to create a sense of belonging as well. The classrooms are flexible and can be opened into each other to create a larger space for communal activities.
The playground outside is embraced by an interactive wall that is surrounded by plants and trees. The school reflects the warmth of the community, working together to create a better future for their children.
The school is a flexible and sustainable space that optimizes light, ventilation, and water. The double canopy illuminates and cools the interiors, while collecting rainwater for the gardens. Rammed earth walls regulate temperature and create a cozy atmosphere. Classrooms have louvers that control the amount of light and air for different activities. The school adapts to the students and teachers, creating a dynamic learning environment.
To ensure the safety of the children, rounded spaces were created and sharp edges were eliminated. All structural walls are a blend of straight lines and curves, accommodating both the need for storage and distinctive corners. The geometry of the space is a harmony between efficiency and fluidity.
The school uses materials that are abundant and accessible in the area, as well as beneficial for the environment and the people. Walls are made of colorful laterite rammed earth layers that keep the inside cool and comfortable. A bamboo structure rests on the walls and can be extended to create more space. Bamboo is also used for the lattice, louvers, and fences. The roof is made of metal sheets that reflect light and allow air circulation. Cultural fabrics decorate the playground, adding splashes of color and joy.
The school celebrates the culture and values of the people, creating a conducive environment for learning and growth. It is a place where education and community are in harmony.
THE Construction PROCESS
The school is built using simple and sustainable methods that involve the local community. The first step is to level the ground and make trenches for the base of the walls. The soil excavated from the site/river is sieved and mixed with water, clay, gravel, and cement, and then pressed inside the trenches until the base is ready. A concrete beam is used to define the edges of the platform, and then the same previous mix (but without the cement) is used to make the platform. A concrete finishing layer is added on top of the mix until the base and the platform end up at the same height. A formwork with consistent curved edges is then created for the walls. Different layers of the soil are then rammed inside the formwork to create a colorful effect on the walls, which are made of laterite soil mixed with water, clay, and 4% cement to stabilize them for the rainy season. On top of the walls, a concrete beam with iron profiles is put to connect them with the bamboo structure that rests on it. The bamboo structure has trusses that can be made on the ground and then lifted and fitted in place. This design allows for easy future expansion of the school, as it solves the problem of shacks that are common in schools in the area. Bamboo purlins are then fixed on top of the trusses using tension rods, and light corrugated metal sheets are then put on top of the purlins to make the roof. Mothers can help in making the bamboo lattice that is used for the fences and the air divider. Lastly, colorful fabrics are then tied to bamboo poles to add more life.
THE USE OF Materials
The school is a blend of eco-friendly materials that are simple and vernacular. Laterite rammed earth walls are the main structure and enclosure of the building. They are composed of water, clay, sand that come from the nearby water source and ground, as well as 4% cement for stabilization. The walls are sustainable, easy to make, and cheap. They can regulate the temperature and reduce heating of the interior during the day. The colors of the layers make a lively and joyful atmosphere for the children. Gravel is added to the mix to create the foundation for the walls. Bamboo beams are supported on the rammed earth walls. The bamboo structure can be extended if more classrooms are needed. Bamboo is a renewable and fast-growing material that can be harvested without harming the environment. It is used by the locals for many purposes. It is also used for the lattice that divides the hot and cold air, the louvers that can be moved to adjust the light and air, and the fences of the school. The roof is made of corrugated metal sheets as they are light weight, low cost, low maintenance, and easy to install. They also bounce soft light to the indoor space through the light shelf. As for the platform, concrete is used for the finishing layer as it is durable, costeffective, and available. Iron profiles are used with concrete for the tie beam that connects both structure systems. Rosewood is used for the furniture and the frames for the doors, windows, and louvers. It is not wasted as its trees are at risk. Finally, cultural fabrics are used near the playground to make a lightweight enclosure and bring color to the environment.
Thank you.
