African project
ECD&F Centres – Rwanda
varying topographic constraints, scarce and limited material resources, and
with a wide range of expertise provided by the implementing partners.
Workshops have been organized to understand the most important themes in
local community life, and the design has been upgraded three times between
2013 and 2016 according to the capacity building performed during the
construction and management phases.
The conceptual approach to the design rests on two pillars: it highlights the
role of a central space as catalyst for community gathering, in a contemporary
reinterpretation of the traditional “urugo” settlement pattern; and it conceives
a modular structure, where components can adapt to different terrains and
situations, but originate always similar facilities, organized around the
central space. Two main typologies are being tested throughout the ongoing
construction: a circular plan and an S-shaped plan. Ideally the outcome of
different aggregation of the modules, they are the result of the adaptation to
varying topographies and plots.
All have required adjustments and changes during the construction process,
in an effort to source locally available materials and transport them to difficult
and remote site locations, together with the challenge of reacting to different
climatic and geological conditions, such as soil types and heavy rainfall.
In both types, the five different basic elements, stimulation classrooms,
multipurpose hall, open demonstration kitchen, admin block and sanitation
facilities are small reinforced masonry structures, built with locally produced
fired bricks, assembled with Flemish bonds and vertical reinforcement bars,
to improve stability and avoid the use of concrete. The brick pattern and the
multiple openings of varying size, placed at different heights contribute to
the sensorial stimulation and the learning of small children, while providing
natural lighting and cross ventilation. A continuous porch, covered in ceramic
tiles, allows for a variety of covered outdoor spaces, for both learning and
communal activities.
The whole compound is fenced, and includes a dedicated area for
playgrounds and kitchen gardens, and has an underground tank for rainwater
harvesting. AD
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