Post by mr4nderson on May 31, 2016 12:59:18 GMT -6
ASHANTI CLASSROOM (entry #508420396)
Design Statement
The Ashanti Classroom design began by identifying key objectives which would ultimately become the primary factors which drove the design development. The first objective was to develop a classroom design which would utilize the community’s expertise, locally harvested building material, as well as labor. The walls of the classroom will be constructed by hand pressed brick, rammed Earth, and Atakpame building method. Since these are common building practices is Abetenim, local expertise would be important and highly regarded. The second objective was to develop a design which fits the cultural vernacular. Traditional Ashanti building practices were studied and used as a precedent for some of the aesthetic decisions employed in the classroom design. The use of Adinkra symbols at the base of Ashanti buildings became the inspiration for the Earth brick pattern used in the design. The design of the classroom was also inspired by the passive thermal design strategies used in traditional Ashanti architecture. The light grey plaster used over the Atakpame reduces the building’s heat gain. Also borrowed from Ashanti tradition is the use of high pitched roofs which allows for a better air circulation and creates cool interior spaces. Finally, the third objective which was identified was changing the perception of inferiority towards earth construction. The use subtle aesthetic elements provide depth and play to the façade, but at the same are still within the cultural boundaries of the Ashanti.
Project Materials/Cost
Foundation: $2,470
Crushed stone/gravel, bags of cement, mesh reinforcement, wood formwork
Walling: $1,630
Hand pressed or CEB brick, Portland cement, concrete, plaster
Roofing: $2,200
Essia lumber, corrugated metal sheets
Fittings: $545
Louver window frame, wooden door, chalkboard
Miscellaneous: $800
Coconut fibers, metal mesh, large stones (for bench)
TOTAL: $7,645