KYM Field Schools

Vision

Our intention is to create a sustainable modular Field School that promotes pollination of knowledge and culture from one generation to the next in order to nourish communal growth among the young minds of the tropical Savanna region. Ideas of adaptability, portability, modularity, sustainable and place making shaped our thought processes on how this Field School will be applied to the varying geographies, typologies and social/economic settings.

The vernacular architecture and local building materials of the region are not only sources of inspiration but the "building blocks" of the modularization in a manner that will provide access to on-site resources such as sunlight, wind and water. The modular grid units are intended to be arranged and transposed based on the specific requirements of each and every selected site and village needs. When not in use for the school the design's flexibility is intended to be utilized for other communal activities serving as a resource for the greater community.

Solar

The subtropical region of Africa, bisected by the equator, provides a unique opportunity for solar energy harvesting. The vernacular housing consists of timber or dried brick structures with conical thatched roofing. The various roof angles will accommodate PV panels regardless of site orientation.

Wind

This region is located within the equatorial winds called the doldrums. Although this region doesn't receive high velocity winds, the zephyrs are constant and provide year-round relief from the heat and humidity. They also supplement the solar energy, providing perpetual energy capture.

Rainfall

Rainfall in this region is abundant, but seasonal and sporadic. Harvesting and storage of this resource will provide for the whole community. A rain water harvesting strategy is ideally suited for these circumstances, and we have designed a roof ideal for taking advantage of this climate. The depressed columns provide immense storage capacity.

Modules

Modules start with a simple 3x4 grid, we either pushed down for system columns or pushed up for roofs. both moves facilitate our strategy for harvesting natural resources.

Space flexibility

As the social hub, the school occupies the center of the village, where the common activities happen. The new school is a system that proposes a flexible space for the community, at its heart. School, market, meetings, harvest classes, political discussions and live concerts could be hosted in this space. It will integrate a dynamic space crafted for African culture.