kashitu school competition

Project idea

The Kashitu Secondary School project aims to reimagine rural education through architecture that responds to local culture, climate, and community needs. Set in the village of Kashitu, Zambia, the design draws from traditional African building forms, particularly curvilinear layouts and compound structures, to create a learning environment that feels familiar, functional, and culturally meaningful. It reflects the belief that architecture in rural areas should do more than provide shelter it should inspire, protect, and empower. Central to the vision is the integration of climate-resilient strategies such as passive cooling, rainwater harvesting, and solar power. These systems reduce environmental impact and ensure the school remains comfortable and functional even in off-grid conditions. Materials like adobe, laterite, and bamboo are sourced locally to reduce costs, support the community, and promote sustainability. The design also addresses gender equity and accessibility through safe, inclusive sanitation facilities and learning spaces for all students. Beyond education, the school is envisioned as a community hub a space that supports storytelling, craft-making, and agricultural learning. Cultural identity is celebrated through symbolic elements like drum-shaped buildings and mural-adorned walls. In essence, this project positions the school as the heart of the village: a rhythmic center of growth, learning, and resilience, deeply rooted in the traditions and aspirations of its people. Goals of the Project Build a Climate-Responsive Campus The project aims to design buildings that respond intelligently to climate change using natural ventilation, thermal mass, shaded courtyards, solar energy, windcatchers, and rainwater harvesting systems, thereby reducing environmental impact while enhancing user comfort. Bridge the Gap Between Tradition and Innovation The school reinterprets vernacular forms and materials through a modern lens, demonstrating that rural architecture can be both culturally expressive and technologically advanced.

Project description

Scope of the Project Solution The Kashitu Secondary School project provides a holistic architectural solution that addresses environmental, social, cultural, and educational challenges facing rural Zambia. The design does not offer a single fix but a system of integrated, context-sensitive strategies tailored to meet both local needs and global development goals. 1. Architectural Scope Design and Construction of a Full School Campus, including: Modular classrooms Science labs Administration block Library Cafeteria and multipurpose hall Gender-segregated sanitation blocks security post Spatial Layout reflects traditional compound arrangements for intuitive movement and community comfort. Drum inspired forms express cultural meaning and support functional clustering of learning spaces. 2. Environmental Scope Passive Design Integration: Natural ventilation through ridge vents, louvered windows, and open courtyards Sunlight control using overhangs, shaded paths, and skylight placement North-south building orientation to optimize heat and airflow Resource-Efficient Systems: Rainwater harvesting tanks for hygiene and irrigation Solar PV panels for off-grid energy supply windcatcher Local Material Use: Stabilized earth blocks (CSEB), thatch, bamboo, and laterite to reduce embodied energy and construction costs 3. Social and Educational Scope Gender-Inclusive Design: Separate toilets for boys and girls, including menstrual hygiene areas Accessibility features: ramps, wide corridors, tactile paving for the visually impaired Culturally Responsive Spaces: Outdoor storytelling zones and community meeting areas Flexible Learning Infrastructure: Outdoor zones for agro-ecological learning (school farming and climate action education) 4. Community Development Scope Capacity Building: Involvement of local labor in construction processes Skills training workshops for women and youth in sustainable building practices Economic Resilience: Public Health and Safety: Clean water provision and handwashing stations Sun-protected circulation routes and gathering spaces to reduce heat stress

Technical information

Structure Stone/rubble foundation with damp-proof course Load-bearing earthen walls with reinforced beams Extended eaves (min. 2m) for rain and sun protection Sustainability Solar panels for lighting and equipment Rainwater harvesting tanks Natural ventilation via ridge vents and high ceilings Thick thermal walls for passive cooling Accessibility & Safety Ramps and wide doors for universal access Tactile signage and shaded outdoor areas