DESIGN GOAL
The goal of all architecture should be defined by two things: Pragmatism & Creativity. pragmatism because one should always be conscious of budget costs, time frame, constructability, etc. and creativity, because as an architect we look for ways to provide a dignity and scale to both a building's structure and the people who occupy/observe it which require creative solutions. I believe Rwanda is the perfect example on how to execute these design goals, because as a underdeveloped country, it cannot afford to waste anything. Using this introduction as a guide for my project, I felt it was necessary to teach kids both economical and sustainable methods of construction in order for them to have the knowledge and subsequent skills to execute pragmatic and creative solutions to all kinds of design/build.
A low inlet and high outlet will allow for hot air to rise
out of a building while suppressing the cool air.
To maximize air movement & reduce heat gain through
the roof elevate the ground floor.
Another way to retain cool air is to raise the roof.
This creates a gap between the walls and roof which will
allow for hot air to escape.
Because Rwanda has two rain seasons lasting a combined
six months, exploring ways in which one can capture and
then reuse rain water is both an economical and sustainable
approach to architecture.
Compressed Earth Block (CEB) is a fast, simple and renewable
material that is a mix of dirt, clay and aggregate created
using a mechanical soil press. Benefits include insect, mold
and fire proof as well as its ability to be produced quickly.
The soil press can produce about 800-5000 blocks per day
- enough to build an entire house.
Today deforestation has quickly become a problem for
countries like Rwanda. When a 60 foot tree is cut down,
it takes up to 60 years to replace. By planting a bamboo
forest in Rwanda, it will help prevent soil erosion, remove
toxins from contaminated soil and grow to full size in just
three to six years. Using this orphanage as an example
of different ways in which one can use bamboo will provide
people with a better understanding of its advantages over
wood as well as its many uses.
Master Plan
Woodshop Perspective
This interior perspective of the woodshop consists of
a three-point truss that supports the bamboo roof.
The exterior materials shown in this perspective consist
of compressed earth block (CEB) and corrugated metal
siding.
Woodshop Plan
Woodshop Section
Woodshop Section
The infirmiry is designed using CEB's for the exterior
and interior walls. The intent is to provide the community
with an emergency medical center to aid Rwandans in
need of immediate treatment and care.
Classroom Perspective
The classroom is made up of CEB's and a bamboo veneer
made in the woodshop. The roof is comprised of a simple
wood truss to support the bamboo.
Woodshop Section
The classroom is approximately 980 sf and can seat up to
fifteen students.
The goal of the housing complex is to provide a summer
camp-like atmosphere by designing communal living.
Currently there are seven housing complexes with room
for more development as the orphanage expands.
Housing Plan
The most interesting feature of the housing is the roof.
Its design purpose is to create an exterior space for
communal interaction but also serves as one of the loadbearing
elements of support.
View of housing complex
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