In the depths of Burkina Faso, where temperatures soar to around 40°C, a revolution in school architecture is making waves, not just for its innovative approach to climate resilience but also for its deep cultural sensitivity and community involvement. Architects like Diébédo Francis Kéré, a Pritzker prize laureate, and Albert Faus are at the forefront of this architectural transformation, designing schools and orphanages that utilize traditional materials and techniques to create structures that remain cool without the need for energy-intensive air conditioning.
Kéré’s upbringing in the village of Gando gave him firsthand experience of the challenges faced by his community. His innovative work on the Gando primary school combines local materials and blends traditional methods with modern technology to improve comfort. Pierre Sanou, a social educator at the Noomdo orphanage, speaks to the practical benefits of these designs: “The Kéré building provides us with good thermal comfort because when it’s hot, we’re cool, and when it’s cold, we’re warm inside.” Sanou adds, “We don’t need air conditioning, which is an incredible energy saving.”
The buildings rise from the earth, utilizing local laterite stone and avoiding costly and wasteful concrete. Eduardo González of the Architecture School of Madrid notes, “They are permeable buildings that seek the movement of natural air and protection from the sun.”Kéré’s smart utilization of raised and extended metal roofs is inspired by ancient Persian Gulf architecture, but in Burkina Faso, these methods are reimagined in a modern context.
One particularly smart innovation is the use of raised and extended metal roofs, inspired by an ancient concept. The rooms in Noomdo are protected by a shallow barrel vault held up by a concrete beam, with openings. A metal plate at the top protects the roof from direct sunlight and rain, while allowing hot air to escape.The laterite bricks, more durable than concrete, contribute to a comfortable and appealing educational environment, as education adviser Ousmane Soura testifies: “The students don’t say: ‘It’s really hot’ and want to go home because they’re comfortable and can concentrate with the class.”
Beyond the thermal comfort, the innovative school architectures have a profound impact on education outcomes and sustainable development. The use of solar panels, for instance, allows students to study at night, fostering not only a better education but also a sustainable lifestyle in a country where only a small fraction of the population has access to electricity.
The recent 28th International Union of Architects World Congress echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for sustainable and inclusive solutions that respect local identities and voices.“In Africa, we need to have our own voices and identity as architects and we need to bring in our own perspectives, theories, and ways of implementing to the table instead of adapting theories and practices from the Global North,” he said.
In Burkina Faso, the design of educational spaces goes beyond just adapting to the harsh climate. It showcases how thoughtful architecture can empower communities, enhance education, and tackle global issues. This blueprint has the potential to motivate not only the youth in Burkina Faso but also others worldwide dealing with similar obstacles.
Relevant articles:
– ‘We don’t need air con’: how Burkina Faso builds schools that stay cool in 40C heat
– Revolutionizing Education: Burkina Faso’s Innovative Approach to Climate-Resilient Schools, BNN Breaking, Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:50:12 GMT
– Eight projects with integrated cooling techniques that beat the heat, Dezeen, Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– Accommodation for students entails more than just a roof, University World News, Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT