Education Center

Programme

Home with classrooms and services.

In a context where it is difficult to sidestep concrete’s status as an icon of modernity, this large building in terracotta brick embodies an educational project in the broadest sense. A long journey through the country’s state schools, workshops and brickworks undertaken by its initiator – a Rwandan living in Belgium – and the architect – the founder of the EDA-AU practice – lay behind the project and its dual vocation of education and low-tech innovation. The chosen construction system, which combines traditional know-how with modern techniques, allows for the use of large load-bearing walls in hollow brick (rowlock bond), which regulate the high temperatures as well as accommodating pipes and technical equipment. The building stands for an architecture which is deeply rooted in its place, designed in collaboration with a local team and craftsmen, some of whom were trained by the team members in the course of the project itself. This generously scaled facility, intended entirely for the local population, is convincing not only because of its spatial and technological qualities or for the experimental and skillful use of clay, but above all for its chosen function. The creation of a place for education and social emancipation, capable of having an impact right from the design stage, highlights the scope of a high-quality architectural project which aims to build community through conceiving a space.
Martina Barcelloni Corte