The canopy’s steel superstructure is inspired by the tall, singular trees on the surrounding savanna that serve as shaded gathering spaces. The steel structure and roof were assembled on site by skilled labor and built first so that construction of the buildings underneath could continue through the three-month rainy season. Each of the 150,000+ bricks used for the buildings were sourced and fired locally.
Photo credit: Chosa Mweemba, courtesy of Selldorf Architects.
- Photo credit: Chosa Mweemba, courtesy of Selldorf Architects.
This new school in southern Zambia serves approximately 250 students from pre-K through 7th grade. In addition to classrooms, its spaces include a community vegetable garden, soccer fields, and housing for teachers. The school grounds include a covered assembly space that serves both as a school lunch hall and a venue for civic gatherings.
The project consists of a 22-foot-tall corrugated metal canopy that covers a village of five mud-brick classroom and administrative buildings, which are arrayed around courtyards and an internal street. Solar panels provide energy for the school and teacher housing, while a windmill pumps well water to the school’s facilities.
Photo credit: 14+ Foundation.
Photo credit: 14+ Foundation.
Photo credit: Chosa Mweemba, courtesy of Selldorf Architects.
- Photo credit: 14+ Foundation.
- Photo credit: 14+ Foundation.
- Photo credit: Chosa Mweemba, courtesy of Selldorf Architects.
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The canopy’s steel superstructure is inspired by the tall, singular trees on the surrounding savanna that serve as shaded gathering spaces. The steel structure and roof were assembled on site by skilled labor and built first so that construction of the buildings underneath could continue through the three-month rainy season. Each of the 150,000+ bricks used for the buildings were sourced and fired locally.
This project is Silman’s second collaboration with the 14+ Foundation, following the completion of the award-winning Chipakata Children’s Academy in 2015.
Photo credit: Chosa Mweemba, courtesy of Selldorf Architects.
