Kashitu Secondary School Campus

Idea projektu

The urban design concept of the campus is based on the principles of fractal geometry and is inspired by the spatial arrangement of traditional African settlements, especially the village of Ba-ila. The design is based on a hierarchical arrangement of functions in concentric pentagonal rings that allow for clear orientation, fluid movement and natural relationships between the different parts of the campus. The focal point is the multi-purpose assembly hall, around which the main ring with classrooms, library, kitchen and canteen is located. Smaller pentagons are radially arranged around the ring. There are five in total and each has its own function: workshops, medical facilities, laboratories and accommodation. The buildings are designed to allow for expansion. In this way, the design of the campus can respond to the specific needs of the school. This feature is most important in the sizing of student accommodation. Sports fields, gardens, or beehives are placed in the spaces between the radially located buildings. Between the planned teacher accommodation and the student accommodation is a strip is designed for growing crops. The overall composition allows for growth and expansion without disturbing the overall spatial logic.

Popis projektu

The architectural design follows the concept of fractal urbanism and translates its principles into the scale of individual buildings. The building system is modular and flexible - it repeats itself while adapting to individual functions. There are three types of buildings in the complex. Concentric pentagons, are made up of five rectangles connected by a roof and concrete base. This design allows openings to be placed on each side, while its overlap creates a covered courtyard with seating and an internal garden. The result is well-ventilated spaces that can grow freely from the centre. The building of the inner ring of the school is conceived as one continuous tract following the shape of the pentagon, which surrounds the central gathering space. There are covered corridors around the inner and outer perimeter. The ring is interrupted at the corners and centres of each side - it follows the logic of the fractal pedestrian walkway network, connecting the inner and outer space and supporting the smooth movement of students between the different parts of the school. These ‘breaks’ create passageways, covered assembly areas with seating, or an outdoor dining area. The ring layout allows for a logical continuity of the individual functions (classrooms, library, administration, kitchen) and at the same time ensures easy orientation within the campus. Thanks to its compact form, it ensures effective shading, ventilation. The pitched roof with overhangs provides protection from the sun and rain. The roof is pitched towards the centre. It drains rainwater from the ring into concrete gutters that line the outer perimeter of the building. The elevation of the inside of the ring creates a more generous character to the main school building. In the centre of the inner courtyard of the ring is the assembly hall - a circular residence stair with a pentagonal roof plan. The architectural language is rational but sensitive: it uses subtle colour accents, natural light and an emphasis on ventilation. Indoor and outdoor spaces blend naturally through verandas and through-screened corridors. Each building has its own identity, yet forms part of a harmonious whole. The design thus combines functionality, aesthetics and respect for the climate and culture of the place.

Technické informace

The design and material concept is based on simplicity, sustainability and direct connection to local resources and building practices. Although the design works with specific materials, it can be adapted to the actual conditions without losing the concept. The foundation consists of a modular brickwork system made of pressed reinforced unbaked bricks, manufactured on site. This material is sustainable, simple to manufacture and inexpensive. Steel is chosen for the columns and roof structure - an affordable material that, unlike wood, is not subject to termites. The roofing material is then trapezoidal or corrugated metal. This material is available, cheap and suitable for rainwater harvesting. Roof overlays are proposed for all buildings to protect the unburnt brickwork. The central hall has a roof made of reed, which is found on traditional Zambian buildings. To protect the masonry and aesthetic quality, coloured clay plaster is used in places. The foundations and floors will be of reinforced concrete. The reinforced concrete slab will be sufficiently compacted, smoothed, waxed to form the final floor. Wooden hole fillers and slatted shutters will promote ventilation and shade against direct sunlight. Benches and seating walls are added to the public areas. The overall solution works with less demanding principles that are known and can be implemented in the community.