Omar Harb

advisor

USEK - Holy spirit University of Kaslik

Lebanon

As an architect and founder of Omar Harb Architects & Associates, my work centers on creating… more

Project ID 9141, titled "INSAKA: A Kashitu Secondary School Project," is a submission for the Kashitu School competition in Zambia by a team from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

The project is deeply rooted in the cultural concept of the "Insaka"—a traditional African circular gathering space—and seeks to modernize it for a secondary school environment using sustainable materials and off-grid solutions.

1. Project Evaluation
A. Cultural Sensitivity & Narrative

Strengths: The team has successfully identified a powerful local architectural archetype (the Insaka) and transformed it into the "heart" of the campus. This creates an immediate emotional and cultural connection. The radial organization of rectangular classrooms around a circular center is a strong geometric play that creates a clear hierarchy of space.

Critical Review: While the radial layout is strong, jurors often look for "intermediate" spaces. In Zambian schools, much of the learning happens between buildings. Ensure that the "gaps" between the radial classrooms don't become just dead transit space, but rather shaded outdoor "micro-insakas."

B. Materiality & Sustainability (Technical Logic)

Strengths: The use of Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEB) and Rammed Earth is perfect for this competition. It shows a commitment to low-carbon construction and utilizes local thermal mass to regulate temperature. The metal deck roof on steel trusses is a pragmatic choice for durability and water harvesting.

Critical Review: Jurors will look for the "Off-Grid" details mentioned in your description. Since water and electricity are unreliable in Kashitu, they will evaluate if your roof is specifically designed for high-efficiency rainwater collection and if your buildings are oriented to maximize cross-ventilation (essential for thermal comfort in ICEB buildings).

C. Adaptive Reuse & Site Integration

Strengths: Integrating the existing carpentry workshop, nursery, and watchman’s hut into the new master plan demonstrates a "frugal" and respectful approach to architecture. It avoids the waste of demolition and respects the site's existing history.

I. Optimizing for "The Long Harvest" (Water)
Suggestion: In Kashitu, water is life.

Refinement: Use your large roof surfaces more aggressively. In your technical drawings, show the Gutter and Cistern system. Specifically, indicate where the water is stored and how it is filtered. If the central Insaka has a large roof, could it be the primary collector for a central "Water Court"? Highlighting this technical "survival" logic wins points in humanitarian competitions.

II. Passive Cooling & The "Ventilation Gap"
Suggestion: ICEB and Rammed Earth provide great thermal mass, but they need night-purging to stay cool.

Refinement: Ensure there is a "ventilation gap" between the top of your ICEB walls and the roof. This allows hot air to escape. In your 3D renders, show perforated brickwork (brise-soleil) patterns in the ICEB walls. This not only provides security and privacy but also creates beautiful dappled light and constant airflow.

III. Material Transition: The "Footing"
Suggestion: Earth blocks (ICEB) are vulnerable to moisture at the ground level (splashback from rain).

Refinement: In your 1:20 technical section, show a Stone or Concrete "Plinth" (a base) that lifts the ICEB at least 30–50cm off the ground. This "Architectural Boot" protects the earth walls from erosion and shows the jury you understand the long-term maintenance needs of earthen construction.

IV. Visual Narrative: The Insaka at Night
Suggestion: Since the school is a community hub, how does it look after dark?

Refinement: Create a render of the central Insaka lit by low-energy solar lamps. Show community members or students gathered around it. This emphasizes the "Community Activity Hub" aspect of your project idea and shows that the school is a 24-hour beacon for the village.

V. The "Evolutionary" Master Plan
Suggestion: Schools in rural Zambia often need to grow as funding becomes available.

Refinement: In your urban/master plan board, include a small diagram showing "Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3." This shows the school can function even if only half of the radial buildings are constructed initially. Practicality and "growability" are highly valued by jurors in the Kashitu category.
24.01.2026