Post by maya on May 30, 2016 13:12:44 GMT -6
ENTRY #490153392
MATE MASIE CLASSROOMS
Secondary School Abetenim, Ghana
Design statement
One of the typical Adinkra symbols of the Ashanti culture is called mate masie - "What I hear - I keep" and stands for wisdom, knowledge and prudence. Understanding this statement as an essentiel requirement for progress and education and thus as the basis for all educational establishments, the main objective is to creat an appropriate surrounding. The classrooms of the future Secondary School in Abetenim will offer the students quiet rooms with enough space, light, ventilation and a comfortable climate to focus and concentrate well.
The design of the classroom unit emphasizes on a simple and clear organisation. To enable the classes to continue during the rainy season, there is a stone foundation leveling all the rooms up to 0,6 meters to prevent flooding. Access can be found either from West with a ramp or from East via a small staircase. A monopitched roof connects the two classrooms (each 69m²) with a verandah (43m²) and provides shade to the main corridor. It opens up to the courtyard of the classroom assembly. The construction consists of a supporting structure out of wood and the corrugated metal sheet as well as an inner ceiling for the classrooms. Through the double skin roof the classrooms are protected from the hot air from the top. It is not entering the second layer and can circulate well to the outside. Rainwater is being collected in a rainwater tank next to the building and can supply the sinks in the classrooms. They are thought to support the hygiene standards of the children. The walls are built from rammed earth and contain openings in the Southern and Northern facade. They serve for an effective cross ventilation in the rooms as well as for sufficient daylight. According to requirements in savety or additional shading purposes the windows can be closed with folding shutters.The Western and Eastern side are completely closed for the inner organisation like blackboards and shelves. Thereby it is also possible to add more units next to one another as necessary.
Additionally the students should feel free to enjoy their surrounding apart from the classes. They are invited to freely use the verandah as a multifunctional space that can serve as a resting area as well as for extracurricular activities. Through several broad slats the changeover from the building to the surrounding nature is fluent. The slats creat niches that can individually be interpretated and utilized for instance with movable seating furniture.
budget estimation for one classroom unit
foundation, flooring: 1600 $
walls, doors, windows, slats: 2000 $
roofing: 3500 $
miscellaneous: 500 $
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total expenses: 7600 $