Post by jp on May 30, 2016 23:30:24 GMT -6
ENTRY # 511545827
Teach by Example, Learn by Living: A Rural School for Ghana
DESIGN TEAM: Jelena Pejkovic (Serbia)
“Design imagination is our primary instrument
to define how we want our world to be.”
– Laufen Manifesto
The aim of this design proposal is to show by practical example that beauty, self-sufficiency, meaningful work and local pride are all within reach in rural Ghana.
The proposed classroom module for the community secondary school in Abetenim extends into a shaded outdoor area that overlooks a common courtyard shared by eight classrooms nested around it. The more insular spaces of learning thus extend into the space for communication, and further into the larger communal space for sports, performance or play.
The classrooms are built by using traditional or locally available materials, and by engaging the local work force. The future students will also be able to participate in all lighter tasks on the building site. Even before they enter their new classrooms, they will have a chance to learn a lifelong lesson about shaping the world – by building their future with their own hands.
Materials and techniques concept:
Foundation: reinforced concrete strip along the perimeter walls
Walls: rammed earth
Ring beam: timbers placed along the external and internal wall perimeter
Roof structure: laterally stabilized timber trusses with double top and bottom chords and “sandwiched” struts
Roof cover: corrugated sheet metal
Shading screens: The architect will work with the local community to understand how traditional basket weaving techniques of Ghana could be adapted for creating shading screens for the school building out of the cleared palm trees.
Cost estimate:
4974 USD for 1 classroom of 61.4 m2 or 81 USD/m2 (itemized budget enclosed separately)