For Ghana

The design directly acknowledges the previously proposed site by encouraging organic, free-flowing movement between each building cluster. Ten classrooms are organized radially around a raised walkway to form a “learning pod.” An open, but protected learning environment that serves additional programs. The central sunken courtyard utilizes steps as seating for large gatherings. The outer walls of the classrooms create circulation around the outside of the pod while a series of steps leading to the walkway can be found in the openings between classrooms. A ramp was incorporated into the design for ease of access to the learning pods and central gathering space.

Each classroom uses curved walls to mimic the form of an auditorium. Kente cloth covers floor-to-ceiling windows providing protection from the sun. The bright colors of the cloth can identify buildings by grade level or subject. Kente is also harnessed in the interior of each room as wall and ceiling tapestries, providing acoustical dampening. Rammed earth as the central building material allows for a reduction in the amount of water required to build the classrooms and surrounding site work. The material is locally sourced, abundant, environmentally responsible, and durable with the use of integrated sealants. The open air design of the structure allows air to move through the building allowing the heat of the day to dissipate and rise away from the building. Mosquito protection is provided at the ceiling and the windows, but still allows for airflow.