FRANCIS KERE RADICALLY SIMPLE Hae ALM,FOREWORD, 0 BUILDING IS A SOCIAL ACT “ ‘Andres Lopik RADICALLY Ayga Beygo (PLE 20 BURKINA FASO, ‘GANDO PROJECTS site Plan 30 PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPLEX: Primary Schoo! 2 ‘Teacher's Housing 38 ‘School Extension 2 ‘Schoo! Library aa Secondary School 52 ‘Songtaaba Women's Center 38 Atolier Gando. 60 THE STORY OF THE ARCHITECT FROM GANDO 6 Peter Herre PROJECTS IN BURKINA FASO Secondary School u Dano Opera Vilage Remdoogo 78 Laonge Contre de Santé a de Promotion Laonge 96 ‘Surgical Clini ang Heatth Cent 90 yeée Schorge Secondary School___ 6 Koudougou Noomdo Orphanage 104 Koudaugou Parllament House 108 uagadougou PROJECTS IN MALI, KENYA, MOZAMBIQUE, SUDAN Center for Archi 18 opt, Malt tk x ‘Bamako, Mal) ‘Obama Legacy Campus us Kogelo, Kenya Benga Riverside Residential Community 130 Tate, Mozambique Protective Shelter for the Royal Bathe 134 Moroé, Sudan A.MAN OF THE PEOPLE 138 Lesley LokkoWORLOWIDE PROJECTS EXHIBITIONS AND INSTALLATIONS THE ARCHITECT AS CULTURE BROKER 172 Kerstin Pinther Harbor Development 145 Permanent Exhibition at the International Znoushan ed Cross and Rod Crescent Museum 162 Geneva APPENDIX Pavilion us Belling Sensi 164 Materials 182 Pavilion at the Royal Academy of Ars, Taylor Barracks 150 Landon Facts and Figures: Burkina Faso 105 annneim canopy. 10S Facts and Figures: Cities and villages 198 Oxford Keserne 12 _ Installation atthe Louisiana Museum Minster of Modern Ar, Humlebaek 180 ‘camper Pop-up Store 184 Place for Gathering 188 cv 192 Wieil'am Rhein Installation a the 186 ehicage Architecture Biennial 200 per Shop 157 Barcelona Courtyard Village 167 Acknowledgments 202 Installation at the Palazzo Litta, Milan Bibliography 204 Colorseape 18 Installation at the Philadelphia Crosits 208 ‘Museum ot Art, Philagelpnia Francis Kéré, Radically Simple 70 [Exhiption atthe Architakturmuseum Ger TU Mnehen son vow, Brn Fees,In toving memory of my brother, Moumint Kare, hase faithful companionship and support helpad make these projects possible Digbédo Francis Kéré, ‘September 2016FOREWORD ANDRES LEPIK AND AYGA BEYGO heart exceptional talent. Born in the heart of atriea, ne 8 gained an international reputation from the strength of a number of buildings ex- in his hamelans of Burkina Faso, rancis Kére ig a man of idied in Germany ane quickly Anyone who has hoard his fescin Story at one of his lectures could ceter mine that Kéré's ereative approach ean of his background or education. He nas earned nimseit a place in contemporary architecture thats quite distinctive. and yet he already servas as an example for a nen ‘generation of architects. His buildings unite with innovative design approaches and the hignest aesthetic s:angards. They ate “a * Radical becau: pride of place to human values lke respon- ally simple they give sibility and respect that have long been pushes aside in architectural practice. At imo, the buildings are simplo, ‘thay are a eirect raaction to tne conditions of their local environments and as a result, ‘open the way for social change. ater the AFEI Kéré was presented at the Architektur ‘museum der TU Munchen back in 2013, we fare pleased that ne nas now agreed so let us mount the largest solo exhibition of his oeuvre to date—which has grown considerably in the intervening period. ‘The mounting and preparation of the ex hanks to his personal support and the whole-hearted commitment of nis team, We are most grateful for his int Sonal involvement in the pracess. Nat least ing two journeysin aarly 2016 th holpad us gan diract insight into the effec ones of his concepts. We were also able 0 Take photographs and fim foatage of his ntly completed buildings. The exhi- bition Franeis Kéré Radically Simple and '$ accompanying catalogue provide box 8 provisional appraisal of the last fittean years ot his preview of some of his upeoming projects. We hope that this exhibition will bring us one step claser to the day when Kéré's constructions take shape in Germany bringing with them theey AMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAA ryVV VVVVVVy VYVyVvVy vyyvyvy vyyvyyyy vyvyvvyvvyy'vyvyy a BUILDING IS ANDRES LEPIK rectly back 1a his his vilage. From a European ‘exceptional is that he ted the opportunity te provige is home village, not 0 uth incis Kéré was bom in that he captalizee 0 nal could al advantages to design and bulléa school in other gra VAAMAAAAAALAAAAAALAAAAAALAAAAAALAAAAAAAAAAALAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAA A SOCIAL ACT have had the ct to their debut anes to plan an extension fark Immediately arier its (and prize money) followed, providing him with the opportu- nity to plan and exacute mare bullaings ‘completion. other pra Project Gando, which evolved step by step from the Gand primary school, is a grow ing collection of buildings that serve the ticular. From the teacher's housing, via the ‘school extension, the library, and the wom ens. econeary sen00) there exists al within about a Kilometer ra- dius a complex of buildings, completed or under consiruetian, which has exerted a profound influence beyans Gand isa. For the success Kéré has enjoyed as 2 result of ‘ese Bullcings, the prizas they have won, ‘and the international press attention that has followed, has been reflected in a high tevel 0 hers. pupils, ‘and the community, and indeed trom the ‘government of Burkina Faso SMALL SCALE, BIG CHANGE Project Gando is central ro Kéré's wark anc Closely interaven with his Biography. To understand the oulldings erected there, fone must see them through swe pais ot e ‘on the one hand. the eves of inthe culture and sacial struc tures of Kee native Burkina Faso, fon the other, thase of someone who can translate everything he has learned about logical bulaing at the Tecnnisene Uni- vorsitat of Berlin back into the context of nis hameland. So, seen in the light @ Burkina building * Ker pratations of the vernacular reve tradition of mud Ratner, ney he wo approaches inta a third way But how dic Kéré progress trom mese projects in his nemeland to international Coletrity? The majority of his work is geo graphically located beyonc the purview of European and US colleagues, and is phys: cally accessible to very cal users excepted. This was surely one ff the reasons why ime atter the Aga Khan Avra athe architectural p public knew his work. An impertant ales was the Opera vel he eaking countries hedo- lage project, ped fram 2008 far the fim, thea opera director Christaph Senlinge was through this project that the dir hide circle of trienas ang aomira feof the ar ad already Burkina Faso, who ‘ee in Berlin tara number ot years. The era Vilage was a major challenge for Keré in torms of his futur required nim to recor of the German cirector with the practi Conditions and necessities of his own home county. Now he was architect to a proje hat involves him in a relationship of duty, ‘nor simply tohis oun vilage community or 1 his county society, but to Schlingensiat's large eile ot infantil German supporters counted former Federal resident Horst KBhler among iS patro Today, six yoars after the laying ofthe foun ious Opera Vilage concept completed nd in daily use are the elementary School housing units, school, housing units, and and sponsors that and the medical center ng local needs, this possible avtcome for this fundamentally 0 entre project, and in the aitneutt process af implementation ane communicator ay be seen as the best been KEré wha succeeded in priaitiz 1g exactly those elements most truly rel- In is present form, a victory of sustainable social over a thea ‘walve containors full of histrionic aay standing, sil unopened, real ngeds of people in Burkina Faso isa lot more complicated than the eccentric Ger man sector imagines. A second ¥ cultural and social eantext he project represents fantasy Imported to major media hype. The ol- y che empty ve of public attention 10 Kéré an his wo followed in 2 States. Bofore he taok part in tha exhib 0 in the United tion Small Seale, Gig Change: New Archi petures of S gagement (October 3 2010 ~ January 3, 2011) at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, his name was stil largely unknown in North America * In 20, hough, he received the University af Wis consin-Milwaukea's Marcus Prize and then gave a lecture at the Harvard Gracuee ee eee eee Oe SRA (ee) q THE social TURN pidly growing Interest in KBré's work ot24 In the work sett. isis of 2008 archi-_has his offic be seen to have been radically knowegge inhi repositioning Itser: taking a “social turn" great practical experience working there, Practical a rica; pernaps i is time ter in his oeuvre. history. Many architects fro rope have worked en socially mati mbodying a kind for projects in AMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAA MAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAALAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAMAAAAAAYGA BEYGO FOM BE Tl MAM BE TAM, BECAUSE YOU AREFRANCIS KERE AND HIS EXHIBITIONS hicecture on display is essential ror the e built and it is ender i Starting with nis the wo a f suck turmuseum dar an intense series of African exhinitions in Eu- ropa, in the United States, and even in Africa mis awakening interest in AMT art, and architecture was the tongDesign, again held by the Vitra Design Mu- seum, tocused on contemporary African design; he Atviea: Arenteeture, Culture and Idoniity exhibition in the Louisiana Musou erModern Artin Humiabaek, Denmark (2015), focused on Sub-Saharan AVrica to empha- size Africa's diversity and its complex culture In regard to arusts, designers, authors, and architects: and, last, Creative Arica in the Philadelphia Museum af Art presantar ‘and easign rom arrica (2016)." ne great potential tor architectural exnibi- tions started influencing the way for Francis, Kére slightly before the intense period in which there were African architecture exhi- bitions, Or one ean eansider it the other way around: the great potential ofthis authentic, areniteet trom Burkina Faso awakened cu Fiosity, helped to bring recognitian as can- cars the lack of resaurces, and encouraged consiceration of other architectures and ‘geagraphies. The required cantext for ex Panding the notion of Kéra’s earth builsings, which stang ar the Tar comers et Burkina Faso, began 10 be articulated through the creative intellectian of accelerating exhi- bitions trom 2008 onwarcs. The following couple of years Ker cisplayed his works in Ouagacougou. Vanice, Berlin, and Rottor- am on eifterent platforms. Kér’s rresn out establisned international recognition was affirmed in 2010 in the Musaum of Modern Art in New York in the ‘Small Scale, Big Change: New Architectures ‘of Social Engagement exhiition (Ocraber 3, 2010 ~ January 3, 2011." Projects adapt- Ing site-snecine ecological and socially sustainable solutions were presented with large-scale photographs or renderings, sketches, or ether dasign documentation ‘and macols. The Primary School in Gando, nad already gained the attention ot tne wviger public through the aforementiones exhibitions and in various publications since 2004, was explored in dept togatner with ten additional projects trom aitterent of- fices that included, among others, Elamen- tal, Uroan-Tnink Tank, Teddy Cruz, and Anna Heninger. The show nad 2 strong Impact” {and led the way for Keté to the subsequent exhibitions and installations held on citer ent international platforms Hela by tne internationatinstitutionforeom- ‘municating architectural culture and urban design at tne Aedes Forum trom July 13 August 30, 2012, the exhibition Machen! featured six prizewinning projects of the Holclm Awares 2011/2012" The awarcea projects were considered new approaches to sustainability adcrassing the term in 2 ‘much wicer context and taking i as 8 Key design principle. From prefabricated con- crete timber houses to urban swimming pools, projects varied in function ang ma~ lerial and vere displayed together with the original competition panals, made, and 11 prototypes. Francis Kéré, as the winner of {wo gold mares tram 2011 ana 2012, repre- sented the ‘clay macern and demonstrated how adabe can be further caveloned using contemporary technologies with his re- cent project by then, a secondary school in Gando. His fifth school in Burkina Faso, along with tne other projects, lustrated nis eB fal strong permanence and the will to experi ‘ment and progress. As the next step, It was time 10 speak the language, perform more expressive as the “solo architect" The same year, arc en reve centre archi ecture in Bordeaue held an exibition on Francis Kéré's work titled Bridging the Gap (December 3, 2012 - May 18, 2013) Eleven projects, as well as the canstruction ma Torials. and techniques were displayed in Sk slightly separated rooms in a dark and arened stone antrepo bullaing. in adaition to the Gando complex and Opera Village from Burkina Faso projects and the Na~ tional Park ané Architecture Center from Mali, the exhibition included the ca Under which these projects wore cre: specifically tne bullding process and tne materials. Thus, architectural drawings and models were supported by films, which told stories ot Burkina Faso, bullding with com- ‘munity and local macerials. Samples of to cal construction materials and simple tools were also displayed to touch. & root con struction mock-up was hung from the cel ing. Large photographs from the projects {ang wall projections filed the surfaces and altogether eroated a very intensive atme sphore of dispersed objects. Keré did not ees anything else bur his ever-increasing buildings In his motneriand atrica to un erline his authenticity. The statement of this productive architect was already intact ang clearly put forth as a “bridge over the ap," which reclaimed the knowindge of vernacular architocture and rediscovered the possibities to bulld "The African.”The challenge of curating @ contompo- rary Arcan architecture exhibition was Clearly explained by Andres Lepik in 2013, the curator of the AFRITECTURE: Building Change exhibition, wnich was neld nitekturmuseum cer TU Munchen (eptember 13. 2013 - February 2, 2014)" Although a tavv African arenitects nave al~ ready gained a reputation in the Western worl, extensive rasearch and discussion ff contemporary Africa on a global scale was still missing, Rapicly urbanizing At fican cities has always taken the lead ® However, nen radical approaches, which bear environmental, soeial, anc) economic sustainability aspects, were alreacy con- Inibuting to the emerging contemporary architecture In Atria. They needed to be presented in 8 comparative context that reveals their multiplicity, civersity, ane dis~ fobaaient character. In the AFRITECTURE Twenty-nine projects from ten Sub-Sana- ran countrias wore displayed. They ware planned eltner by African or by European ‘and North American architects and ad- ‘opted these essential sacred features: di- fect support trom the local communities ‘and social engagement, utilizing local ma- terials, and intracucing vernacular build Ing traditions an ecological solutions. The aforementioned development in africa To ‘cused on public buildings such as schools, kindergartens, health clinies, sport centers, libraries, women’s centerset cetera. Asbe- ing a very loyal proponent of the mentioned ‘aspacts, Francis Ker® took part in the ex- hioitin with nis Gango Senoo! ane Wom- sition view riging te oan are en ve fons Community Centor projects among the architects such as the Caravatti brothers, Nina Matta, Baerbel Mustie, Peter Rich, CS Studio, Luyanda Mphalwa, Kunlé Adeyami fang Laurent Séchaud. The bola setting ot Ine exhibition, whicn left the impression of simplicity ang temporariness dua to the cheap and recycled material choice, was demanding: drawings, tex's, models, pha~ tos. and films installed on a linear setup ‘that compslied ine visitor to valk without shoes on a printed platform and interact ith either stickers. past-its or an opinion ‘automat, The encountar of the viewer with the ambitious socially committed projects was essential for a new understanding of the contemporary architectura in Africa.* The short but etncient period between 2008 and 2014 fullot productivity and many exhi- bins brought Keré the recognition among ramporary_ architec twral practices. Ha was one of the seven architocts* who were invited to participate In the Sensing Spaces: Architecture Re- Imagined exhibition in the main galleries ot the Royal Academy af Ars in Landon from January 25 ~ April 6, 2014. Already conn ident with the well constituted architectural notion anc well aware ot the potentials of ‘xhiitions, Karé moved in London one stop further trom being a practicing arcnitect 10 @ performing architect/artist for an in- stallation: “Exhibitions pro. lene opportunity ta test ne trae fram builiting regul jons, commorcial requirements, climatic restrictions, and the constraints of tne well-known (ENGI IEE construction industry. It is a chance to be truly creative"* The curaterlal concept was ‘etined as “architectural interventions that radically transtorm the dominant character of the classically planned and cetaliea in- terlors” The instalations were planned 10 address the sensibilities of the visitor and the visitors were expected to interact wth ‘nd participate in this experience ™ Kéré's aim was ta create a sense of flavang from ‘8 vast space through a narrow epaning, an Inspiration taken trom the doorways to the RA galleries, which appear very smell com pared to the scala of the rooms. The tun- nel allowed people te experience the space tram path autside and within, but alsa in vited interaction by adding straws of dif- ferent colors and lengtns"* With one simple structure Keré touched many aspects in his vory first installation: the plastic honey- com material which ts readily avaiable in London ana used for aitferent runetions in 8 building was utilized in another context, the architecture bacame the exhibition oo ject itself but also the space of a new kind, and finally its continyous transformation through participation reterred to tne bulld- Ing with community process in Africa The second installation of Kéré took place In anotner important extensive exhioition Arica: Architecture, Culture and taent held inthe Louisiana Museum of Madern Art from June 25 ~ October 25, 2016. Inspired Sirectly by his home vitage, the in represented a shaded gathering space. The canopy, which consisted of an avarhang- Ing ceiling and a seating area underneath,was built of debarked willow eranches and logs found locally in Scandinavia Despite the abstraction of the wood, its wanstor- mation into the craated architectural space ‘and the pregrammad aay lighting system replicating tne sun's movements, it stil connoted very strongly something natural, Indigenous, ang rural. aimed at gather- ing, refecting, ane encountering the visitor ian intimate setting, The features brought rom Gando were applied in a museum space in Denmark. Something that Kéré nas ‘always dane is ta bring that which is use- ‘ul from one culture into another, moc them ‘and create a hybrid product. The same year Kéré participated in two more exhibitions ‘one of his projacts was displayed in Mak- Ing Atnca: A Continent of Contemporary Design. Vitra Design Museum together with Davie Agjaye and Kunlé Adeyemi and his very fist installation In the US* at tne Ist Chicago Architecture Biennial where ne created another Place for Gathering with locally sourced wood. 2016 has started with an intense series ‘of exhibitions for Kerb, He was invited ta transform the inner courtyard of the Ba~ oque-style Palazzo Litta into a space available for a series of events and talks—A Mattor of Porception: Tracition and Tech~ nology—curing Milan Design Week 2016 In April The stone and wood pavilion, which was covered by an over-hanging roof of bamboo and encircled by wild native tal- jan grass, invited people to encounter ang gathor® His second presence in the US ‘was stiong enough to present him to the Suncing Sauces: ‘new world because it was his second larg- {st exhibition tematizing nis practice, not 8 a structured retrospective shaw but in an installation format. The Architacture of Francis Kéré: Building tor Community exni- bition, began in March 2076 at ine Phitadel- pia Museum of A. displayed the building ‘materials like 1000, pots, brick, and stone, 1 models of some parts of his installations, prototype chairs, and videos of nis projects The strking feature of ths installation 1s ‘ne Colerseape, a welcoming interactive in- stallation created from the locally sourced lightweight cerd of interwoven strands. They were wrapped around steel com- ponents and hung tram the ceiling in the atrium space before entering the main gal lery. The rectilinear geometry of the steel components and the unexpected playful ‘and informal space crested underneath represents the parallels betwaen Philadel~ pphia and Gando2" His mast reeent but eer tainly nt last participation in an exhibition was the 1Sth international Arehicacture Bi fennale in Venice. A public viewing platform where visitors watched a film projection represented tne new design for the Ouaga~ dougau Parliament House already prepared by Kine = All theso exhibitions illustrate the mul- tilayored essence of Kéré. Fist of all nis natural transformation from a pragmatic architect teaching on site now to construct ‘ building to the architect ereating an ar~ tistie space with no practical applications provides clues aout the new aspects of his profession. Second, the Teatures ne orings fram African culture which are refiacted in the use of the materials, the creation of space, and the participative process with the users are very well integrated into his contemporary Gesions. The combination ot ifferent elements brings out a unique ny brid language, which is already identifiable. Keeping In ming tnat Francis Kéré does ot have an "associates" at the end of his namo, and that his architecture is not aligned with tne typical commercial para jigms ot construction in the industrialized world. it is crucial ta reconsider the record number af exhibitions realizec in lass than ten years. The racical approach formulated by Kéré, finds its audience and appreciation In the Western world, and encourages one to continually search tor otner solutions. Kéré traveled 10 Europe. and retumed to Burkina Faso for a human cause. An in- spiring declaration trom Giancarlo de Carlo ‘ram 1969 states, “The courageous explora tion of architacture, an architecture where all parriers between Quilaers and users are abolished, an architecture, whicn has a true structure of concrete alternatives and stands on the side ot the people, and this perfectly corresponds 10 and embodies the buildings of Francis Kors,AUT 4 “Ad AWOS W0RSS Aud‘Senoot, 2012 View of the poet ‘hom Aiea, rected 1 Daniel Senwart a ‘are Roateay Sime 4 PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPLEX: PRIMARY SCHOOL Tenkodogo is @ city that is located 200 kilometers from the capital Quagadougou ‘and close to the Ghana and Tago border in Burkina Faso. The only asphalt road that ‘crosses ine city separates into a very nar- row Girt road 10 the west. The huge baobab ‘ro9 at this spot is the reference point for ‘the newcomer who wishas to tnd Gando, the village where architect Francis Keré ‘comes from. Today. 3.000 inhabitants live In this place, stil witnaut electrety, in- ‘00r plumbing, or pavea streets. ‘The bumpy dirt road goes along the plain reddish landscape of savanna for thirteen kilometers, amang the baotabs, mango tres, and loosaly sot village compounds, fon the agricultural land, until it reaches ‘a denser ensemble of trees. An unex- pected sign in this secluded landscape. points out a specific place which is also Clear from the floating roofs and walls higden among the trees. There is ne en- trance hore: the Primary Schaat Complex (of Gando pulls the visitors directly into the large courtyard The courtyard covered with mango trees Is surrounded by four oullcings that Kéré built separately within ttteen years: the primary school on the north, Horary and ‘school extension on the wast, and tne Teachers’ housing an the south. A pre-ex- isting school building from 1884 standing in the middle of tne courtyard is also ac~ tively used due to the nigh number of stu- cdonts. The story of the primary schoo! in Gando Is closely connected ta te lite story of states compat 2002 ent (ane vitage Community! are Faunaton genuoauetone {rand ex) ete ‘Ags khan hed for Breiactre Francis Kré. It goos back to the 1970s in Aurkina Faso, when there were no schools in Gando. Suffering from poverty, insuffi- cient infrastructure, and a lack of educa- tional facilities, more than ninety percent of the population was iliterate” When it came time for early education, Kéré had to ‘move to a relative’s nome in order to attend sschaal in Tenkodage. The overcrowded Classrooms designed as enclosad boxos fang the aifneuities of learning uncer tne ‘extreme climatic conaitions at the country are vivid memories of the architect, who mentions it quite often? after getting a carpenter scholarship from Carl Duisherg Centrum and moving to Germany in 1986. then finishing high school and ationding the Teennical University of Berlin to be- come an architect. Kéré remained cor corned about the problems of “his people" In Burkina Faso. yinen he was in his third term at the university, he was asked 10 holp rebuild his village's school, the anly ssenaot and one that was built in 1986 ang In anger of collapsing* The non-profit organization Schulbausteine fir Gando* was torn in 1988 In order to be able to raige funds for the construction ef a neve schaol in Gando® After communicating with the vilagers, Integrating their input ‘ang ensuring local supnert, ne realized the schaol in the village in 2001? The project won him the Aga Khan Award for Architec~ ture in 2004 for the “elegant architectonic clarity, achiaved with most humble maans and materials, and for its transformative value.or. naaeaty snp, ‘The Primary School in Gando represents 2 ‘multiple of social, cultural, economic, and ecological aspects, net only as an architec tural product, but also as an autonomous learning, training, and production process. This serves to help with the empowerment ‘and development of the community, whieh were concerns introduced for the nrst time Jn Burkina Faso by @ local arenitect. Using the human potential and pre-existing re SOUrces, getting the most out of them, ne (ntieted @ satr-surneient macnanism Tor the long run. Simple. but well-considered solutions offer options for future genera tions in @ village with long-standing edu cation issues. LOCALLY AVAILABLE MATERIAL lay isthe traditional material nat Is used 1o bulla the organically formed village ‘compounds in Burkina Faso, However, itis consigerac @ temporary material and as~ sociated with poorness by the local pop- ulation. Due to the scarcity of wood in the ‘country, baking clay bricks Is not com- ‘man in Burkina Fase. When used raw, itis washed avay undar the heavy rains. The obligatory task of repairing the walls re~ ‘quires time ana atrort ror tne local popula tion wiho therefore appreciate the durable imported Western materials. Kére took Clay, @ locally available and tree material ‘hat has been used for hundreds of years, ‘as the main building material. Howover after doing research about all the phases of brick production in Garmany, Kéré found his unique way ef maditying the material in order to provide long-term and climatically high quality walls” He moditied the mate- ‘ial by adaing a small quantity of cement (ca. 8-10%) to obtain stable and uniform bricks, and convinced the village commu- ty to use this ‘primitive" material. For more efficiency, he introduced a simple ‘machine to farm the bricks in a mold and ‘man prass tnam with the help of two peo- ple. Eventually, tne compressed oricks were covered with plastic so that they dried slowly, reducing cracks. THE COMMUNITY BUILDS From the very beginning, Keré involved the village community in the design decisions and the construction process. From bring ing the stones for the foundation ta stamp- ing and beating the clay ground foundation, the local population offered labor to tne best of their capabilites. With the support of the government agency LOCOMAT.” the professional workers employed on site in structed the community in the consteuetion techniques so that thay could build their projects without help.” This participative ‘aspect strengthened the soliarity among the community, enabled them to have @ ‘sense of ownership of the school they con tributed to building, and ensured its sactal and ecanamie sustainability ARCHITECTURE The rectilinear bullding is comprised of hee identical detached rectangular blocks of seven-vy-nine-moter class~ rooms places under a single root. The patios separating the classrooms provide covered gathering spaces outdoors. The classroom blocks wera made of clay bricks connected by earth mortar, and they stand on a raised foundation. The fagades that are orlentag to tne north/south direction have vertical, narrow openings covered by hinged metal louvers. These elements lat the fitered and warm light in. Vertical brick piers projecting from the walls sun~ port the reinforced concrete ring beam that rests on top of the walls. The ceilings of the classrooms are made of the same Clay bricks supported by steel bars and concrate beams. These spaces gain abun- dant air ciculation with a basic principle ‘of physies: coo! air is pulled in through tha windows and the hat ar inside is ralaased through the ten centimeter gans on vern fends of ihe ceiling. Another strong ele ment of climatic concern is the slightly curvad and inclined root tat projects beyond the walls below, protecting them from direct sunlight and rain. The corru gated metal root les aver a space trame that separates It trom che ceiling anc lets the air circulate between two layers. Keré, being aware of the transportation and heavy machinery costs, devised a process to enable the cutting. vending. welding. and assembling of the sixtaen milimeter steel bars to aatein the triangular girders 5 PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPLEX: PRIMARY SCHOOL36 ff the space frame an site by the local craftsmen. The metal root was 28 well bent Into the curved shape directly on the sup~ porting truss Kéré does not nesitate to combine mate- fials, 10 search for new forms, to try the Unpracticed. and to redefine ideas from Europe for Africa. Mis Dold acts and nis ar~ chivecture suited to human need braught ‘motivation and hope for the education of chilaren to Gande, where the number of students has snarply increased over the years. The single primary school building started growing, was transformed into 2 campus with teachers’ nausing, a sehoal faxtansion, a library and kitchen around the same courtyard, and a sports Fald bahing. This impetus gave way to anotner project asvell:a secondary school complex, witha women's community center and an atelier located only 500 meters from the primary school area, whieh is stil undar construc tion. Tocay, the number of the students in Cando is 844, wnere there ware only 120 in 2001 2B ‘Tho gross nae! incon go eaptate Butina Faso 192005 was $680 ir seman or ore ment they rr “nines Piary Sen, Gand we Moceators ‘or crange. 3.8 epi 0m. Fira. en me cinco Recast: en 21472 (Sumer 209 p 2 Toany eles the Kar ounssin. Ths omarion Farrar. sue 210204) p56 comp 18 AMabureta"itdofrnceh ‘es asgnin tn lenin ser Phin 201), 1 Aen (a), Frmary Sena” n= Sal Sel lg range (2010) p36 Denese Frat Keren arennecue of Changes (Geri 2008), 250 ranges, ae ate pt The Age han nad for Arctitectre (2008)‘eta, deco by Dani ‘eatcay Simpl, 2015 In Francie Red acicaly Spl, 2018 in France Rd acialy Simpl, 206 40 PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPLEX: TEACHER'S HOUSING According to Francis Kéré, a building is fan educational instrument not enly with its function, but also with the way of tw ing it provides and the vision of the saci- ‘ty It offers through tne architecture? The ‘development of the rural arezs can only be {ulfiled when the “educators” can find bet- ter opportunities far accommodation in the village and netp the change The second building project of the Gande ‘campus, @ sarles of nousing blacks or teachers, whicn began after tne Primary School vas completed. is located at the ‘southern border of the courtyard. Four units, which are placed racially an the north-south avis, are each assembled into ‘ix residential apartments that vary in size ‘according to tne size of ine teacher's fam- ily. Each unit is comprised af two—one lang ‘and one short-adjacent, vaulted longitu- inal compartments. The apartmencs are based on a module as large as a traditional round hut anc combined in a various ways Each apartment Is set in its onn walled garden, whieh also contains the lavatory and shower spaces at the back. The two ‘entrances for each apartment are located ‘on the blind, tong side and at the back of the compartmants. Tha fagades with open- Ings, covered eltner vith a lamella shut- ter or perforated with bricks, are oriented ta the north, toward the courtyard of the ‘school complex Kéré applied the similar climatie principles inthe houses as he i in the primary schoo! bout went a litte further in experimenting with new teenniques and forms. The walls cient tage Community of Sando, re Funai former semua seine TOF Ganga wie he ‘ancl spor of Hever Phar smaceuical [oermary) are made of forty centimeter handmade fang sun-driee blacks, and stand an foun ations of granite stones and conerare, which prevent moisture from rising. The sharp ends of the walls, which contact water, are rendered with @ cement ples- ter. The rast of tha walls have a clay plas- ter top, The whole housing unit is covered with eight barrel vaults that also define ach compartment. Tha vaults, supported bya tle beam at the top ot ine walls, torm permanent shattering t© a topping ef re inforced in-situ concrete? The roofs of ach compartment are built in two differ fent heights. The sickle shaped openings at the imersection points help ventilation and day lighting * Cerrugated metal roots, wien rast slightly detachealy trom tne vauls, enable air circulation. Roof projec- tions protect the walls against the woath- ering. The top ends of the walls conduct the rainwater into the channels, which run along the fagades and on the ground and collect ic ina water tank. Tne second project ot Keré in Gando was also built with the active participation and the soligarty af the village community. The Inhabitants took an active pact in the de~ velopment of the construction techniques withthe local materials, which would tater enable trem to adapt the nouses accard- ing to their own wishes "The communal labor doesn't just help save money, it also strengthens thelr awareness that what we're making hae value."® aaa coma nd anew, DiDédo Face Kee tn Susenabe Design Ata Su, 202.6. “eaehars Housing au, 6 (20D » F. te (2009, Teacher’ Howes for Gano” Dee 122003) p18, From 2 speazn ghen by France Korein sarin rare featyes (summer 2031p 8 41 PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPLEX: TEACHER'S HOUSINGZUUX enUOL SCHOOL COMPLER: 1510 aC: ~ Suesce 44 PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPLEX: SCHOOL EXTENSION ‘After the small Primary School cam- pus gradually started to develop with the ‘emarging buildings and other amenities, becoming an object of pride and identifica tion tor the Gano community, chad a tig ‘gering eftect on the families who wanted 10 send their children to the school. The primary school that was conceived for 120, students did nat provide sufficient space after two years, when the numbar of the ‘students reaches to 260. A new schoo! bullaing was needed. The third building of the Gando Primary ‘Scheal campus is the school extension, ‘hich marks the west side af the courtyara Francis Kéré empioyad the similar concepts, ‘of form, material, and climatic consicer- ations in the new bulding, However, having gained experience from the Fst building, he managed to improve his design with the cit- ferent uses of the same material to cveate more erneiant architectural elements. ‘The reciilinear building is comprised of ‘wo Identical rectangular volumes placed under a single root. Between the twa vol- umes is a typical Kéré element, the patio. ‘hich serves as a gathering place tor the ‘students. The builaing accommodates tour Classrooms whase walls, similar to the pri- mary school, was also bult with nandmade ‘compressed anc stapilizea clay bricks, To- ‘day, thee of the four roams are used as lassrooms, whereas the fourth hosts the administrative area, The basic ditference between the first school and the exten- sion isthe singla vault that covers the vol~ umes. It was ult with tne same earth site: (nde, Sakina Fase ee Kir Foundation (Senubautsine ‘ur Gangs ex} Hover Deznimitt GmbH ue CoN ance Vilage Community for Sustainatiny an umansty bricks, but as 2 perforated surface with slits placed all along the width of the vault at agular intervals, 1a adit ight and alow the overheated air to escape. The cavitias Integrated n the vault work asa butter with the enclosed air within, neiping to reduce the temperature in the classrooms. Tho overhanging corrugated metal root extends widely over the walls 10 protect the facades from the sun and the rain. I raisad en tha vault by a rebar truss, the same structural element used in the primary school. The roof absorbs the direct sunlight, lets the air circulate, and guides the hot air out of the building? The concrete beam ring, which runs along the walls, supports this root to- (gothor with the vertical brick piers flanking the facade openings. Each opening has a wide window ledge placed between two piers that offor resting aroas fo the students. Many more people from the surrounding village communities who wanted ta be a part of this collaborative process real- zag the construction af the eullaing. The school became @ collective product, sup ported, owned, and maintained by all. an- 0 unique solicarity was included in the ‘documentary n Camparison (2074) of Harun Faracki, which shows the big contrast be- tween the production processes ot bricks trom aitterent parts of ine world Francis Kéré mentions how he is inspired by trees to design his spaces ina school: a big tie expands with its branches and leaves to offer protection trom the sun and rain allows wind blow. gathers the children and Provides comfortable open snace to spendtime2 The way the school buildings are ‘owned and used by the students in Ganda shows haw architecture eauses a action in behavior and in education of an nderservee society Extension in Gana au 53 (208, on), 16 49 PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPLEX: SCHOOL EXTENSIONNOISN31X3 100H9S *XI1dNO9 1OOH9S AYVINd ui_i _}" A Bid ¥ SCHOOL COMPL PRIMAR’ enUOL50 PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPLEX: SCHOOL LIBRARY To improve the quality of life and initiate ‘reading and learning, and support the chil ‘ren who canner atford their awn bodes, @ Nibrary was introduced nthe Ganga Primary ‘Schoo! Compiax In 2010. Placed at the cor- ner, between the first schoo! bulging and ‘the extansion on the west, to which itis ad~ Jacent, tha library isthe enciosing element {or the courtyard, helping ta protect it from dust and wind Francis Kér6 improved his cesion appro- ‘ach witn the search ror a new arenitecta~ nic language and with new interpretations tf local materials. The frst innovation was Introduced by the eliptical plan, which re fers to the vornacular clay architecture in tha region and deviates from tha rectil- ‘neat plans of tne schools. The allinse was rotated in relation tothe linear axis of the school extansion to create outdoor space (0n both sides. The inner space nas a sim= ple open plan divided into two by a curved ‘wall The second innovative approacn was em- ployed in the nertorated ceiling, an essen- tial design clement that is identified wth the scnoats of Kéré. The unused clay pots ‘hat were originally procuced for storage of fru. grain, and water, and sed by women at the market, were given @ new tunction by ‘the architect’ vin the hela at tne village ‘community these pots were brought to the site and cut at both the top and the bot- tom; they were then cast into the concrete ceiling to ereate holee for natural light anc vontilation The balanced and sot play of light ana shade Inside transtormstne space cane: re Fondation (Schtbastene {Wr conse eHow ‘ance Vilage Commonity inte a comfortable environment far reading, The rectangular corrugated metal oot is raised high on the truss and resis on a can- crete beam frame. As one of Kére's esson- ‘tal clmate responsive elements in Ganco, the root extends beyond the ragade to cre- ate separate shaded areas and holes the ar eiculation n tne space below. Due to its scarcity and problems with ter- mites, wood is not preferred as a construc ‘ion material in Burkina Faso. Howaver, rast growing eucalyptus trees are not valued because they dry out the soil and pro- vide litle shade? Thus the third new ale- ment, eucalyptus wood, was introduced for the first time by Kéré and used as a fagade scraun. The poles were arranged to be used as @ second skin ta tne oulaing, ta create a cantilevered and transitional space. enclosed and shaded The screen was planned to run all along the tagade aligned with the root geometry. It stands on an oblique angle to the ground, which les an organic look to the whole volume of ine bullaing, The Gando Schoo! Library is currently under construction and the euca~ Iyptus tagace isnot installed yat. ‘The library building offers new approaches at utlizing and interpreting undarvalued fand unused materials ina naw archicectu- ral expression with @ new function. itis the Final complementary element of the Ganda Primary School Campus, but represents further davelooment and knowledge tran- sition. After this campus, Kor8 continued to expand on site with other tuilaings: 8 seconcary Senos! campus, @ women’s== || 2 . oo .SECONDARY SCHOOL 54 nwo the scandary sho, ure cing in 3 ‘After the accomplishment of the Gando Primary School Campus, its positive impact ‘an the eaueation and the village community paved the way fora secondary school cam- ‘bus fora larger community aavatonment in Gando. The campus was planned to include twelve classrooms divided ovar fve bul ding blocks, an aucitorium, a lirary, ser~ vice buildings, and sports nelas * Today, two of the bulding blocks have bean completed ‘hus Tar, ang wnen mised wal aecommo- caste 1,000 students? The site is located about 200 meters north ff the Primary School campus. The layout, Inspived by the vernacular compaunds of Ganco (and Burkina Faso) is. comprised of buildings assembled around a contral courtyard. The ensemble s set back on the hill in the east. and is oriented towards the west to eenafit rom the coal breezes. A leveled freestanding wall around the cam~ pus protects it trom the desert sand blows, ‘xcept on the west side, where the main fantranca is located? ‘The two completed blocks lay at the east end before the hilland are set pernendicular to each other. The linear layout of the ce~ tached rectangular blocks, twain the shor~ {or and three in the longer building. under ‘one metal roa, each reveal the same desion principle Kéré applied inthe Primary School Campus. The aspects of the community par~ ticipation and local manpower, passive ven- tilacion methods enabled by using elements ka narrow fagade openings, porforatod ccllings and overhanging metal roofs are all ‘maintained in this project 28 well, Honever, snes under construction since May, sz: 4.000? (a complexes] one: Aare Foundation (Senutaustene 1 Gand e)/ Mover Arann! Om une C00, 2s already cbsorved inthe prograss of Kéré's previous projects, the architect experiments with new materials, elements, ane methods that gWve each project @ slight cifferance than earier anes. The plastic quality of the dynamic tagade of the Secondary School is a new featura Introcuced by Kéré. By changing tne cons- tuetion method for faster production, the architect could obtain the moiding-Hike !ook fon the tagades. He treated clay as concrete by pouring a mixture of clay, sané gravel, and cement into a formwork on site The wall ware lai on a reinforces concrete ring plinth and were also reinforced ty vertical concrete bars from the inside and set at rogular intavals. In order to provide a sha- ed surtace, the tacade was designea as a series of concave arcs. where the shutters fate Ieid in. A second reinforced concrote ring beam rests on top of the walls as the complementary element. The mult-vauited porferated ceiling was built of clay Oricks, wien were supported by concrate beams ‘ang plastered with lime The school used the same roof design as the Primary School: the wide corrugated metal root is elevated fn rebar trusses to enable air etcutation in the spaces in betwen, ‘Anatnar signincant eirterence propesae by 6rd tor the Secondary Scnool Is the In- novative air-cooling system, which starts utsige with the plantation. The fresh air, removed of dust first by passing through the grass planted in front of the building. Is drawn insice via underground ducts.* ‘ne ducts pass under the elay pots, whiehvcarpts ee fogs uthering spaces, 2016 {are install in the banks of earth and fl- leg with rainwater, and tip from the bot Tom. The dripping water also cools dawn the incoming ait, which enters the class oom through the ventilation slots.” ano- ‘her supportive element for ventilation is the ground water, which is pumped up by ‘wing turane ana conducted thraugh un- erground channels around the ulldings A it evaporates upon contact with the air Jn the vets, i lowers the temperatura ot the alr by a Tew degrees and helps to cool ‘and ventilate the building. These ancient {otms of natural air conditioning are simple, sustainable, and do not require any specia tized maintenance ® The final complamentary elament that is Introduced for creating shaded zones out- side is the eucalyptus tree. Already integ- rated into the design, but not applied yet in the tagace of the library in tne Ganco Pri- ‘mary School Campus, this material is also Used in the Secondary Schoo! to create 3 shading screen tor tne gathering spaces ‘outside [implemented only partially). Since the project is still under eanstruction, these Innovative slaments and methods nave nat tbeen implemented yet. However, when the Spcondary Schoo! Campus is completed 1 will certainly be another strong impetus tor tne culture ana eaucation ef tne Ganda communities with its entire topographical and climatic design approaches, AB Sit pla, atonometric drawing ora, p.= Frais Kee on Arentecie of Necessity arch + © kuna (207) i 26 1 Frente (019... 10 8 ener (2012), i, 5 SECONDARY SCHOOL 55ut 032035 SUSU) Oi UHL SUOSnest t Songtasba 55 couryard net tone porpses, 200 Prototype forte SONGTAABA WOMEN’S CENTER To improve womens education ang help their ecanomic independence, the women ff Gango establigned the coaperative proj- ‘ect Sangraaba in 1989. The cooperative op- ‘erated a micronnance system that gave tne \women the opportunity to start small busi- ‘ess initiatives. These activities necessi- tated a meeting and storage space tor tne women’s cooperative Thus the Women's Association directly commissioned Francis Kéré in 2010 with the Sengtaata Women's Center complex. The construction of tne Women's Center in Gando started to be ‘supported by the BMZ (The German Ministry ff Development) in 20114 The project was dasigned by Kéré on a site that is about 600 meters away from ‘the Gando Primary School Campus, next to the traditional village compounds. The ‘main construction system of the building itferent than the previous projects, uses twinforced concrete frames. The building fe still under construction, hawever the frame and the metal overhanging root nas been completed. The plan is comprised of two spaces, which are physically separated and reveal diferent format expressions. The rectangular area on the west is reserved for ‘education purposes including a classroom, ‘a meeting room, an office, a kitcnen, and sanitary areas, while the curved area vill Contain the storage? Although the building has only one stor, it gives the imprassion ‘fa double story building due to its height. ie raised high above the ground anc stands on high feet it sorves as a storage racilty or grain, and also protects the erop Xie Foundation (Senutauraine (or Ganda eu) against animals and water damage, as well ‘8 bringing trash alr though the ventilation slots an the ground inside K6ré inwraduces a neve design aspect for the facade: the clay pots will be embed {ded in the fagade of the storage area and the rast of the walls will be completed by clay, The concratea trame will support the clay walls, which are made in the traditional style, mixed with stra and other matari- als, and built up by nand without casts. The locals are already familiar with this method because clay is the main construction ma~ torial in traditional vilage settlements. The ralsed, wide metal root, a common element for all projects, will halp the air circulation and the screen made of eucalyptus poles uill provide shaded outdoor spaces ‘The target group of the project is a cam- munity of up to 300 wornen from the vil= lage of Gance and the surrounding area Df the province Boulgau in Burkina Faso? The multifunctional canter will offer a lot Df opportunities for improving tne quality of lite for women in a sustainable way by providing @ platform for adult education fn nealtn, nutritional matters, agricultural ang househole production, and storage for crops thay harvest in the fields to later sell In tna market a8 ‘ir frei projet descriion‘U31NI9 S.NINOM VAYVLONOS:ATELIER GANDO hy wat deta, 2016 bz ‘The most recent project of Francis Kéré in Gando was initiated by the architect 1o- {gether with the Accademia ai Arenitextura 4 Mondrisio in Switzerland. AS a part of ‘the design studio ne ran, tne stucents ce- velaned details in a workshop for an “Ate lier in Gando. The Atelier Gand, still undor construction, was developed as a center for ‘usiainable construction technologies anc resgarch for inciganous building methods ‘and thelr contemporary uses. The students ‘then travelec to Burkina Faso, nag a basic introduction to clay construction, where they were trained by Francis Kéré with assistance fram nis local building team in traditional and madorn building tech- niques that Kére uses in his projects. They ‘than Workaa with locals to Bulls the foun dations and walls ‘The building will provide warkshop space, temporary lodging for students and work fers, and storage for tools and materials, with the aim of supporting Burkinabiés and lottering architectural training tor interna tional students? The project site is located adjacent to the Songtaaba Women’s Cen- ‘er projact in Ganco, among the clusters at rural compounds in the village. Inspired by the vernacular clay huts in the region, the plan consists of thres connected circu- lar spaces with aitterent sizes. nat Kéré introduces 35 new features in this project, is the application of the local material in ‘different architectonic expression anc its size: creating bigger spaces using the available resources. When finished it wil be the tallest clay structure in the area. It is site: nde, Sakina Fase ce Kir Foundation (sehutbausteine fe Cando 03) Possible today to soe the clay brick walls of the first completed circular block a8 1 de enact proc cit, ler Genco. ‘actual core (sue 20) 108,Rendering image ofthe ol ATELIER GANDOine )\\ \ ni ERTube UO rigs ASUTUQS3Sspace tate ‘Senoo! jus ater te completion iu ofthe L-shaped 76 SECONDARY SCHOOL In 2006 the Dreyer Foundation in Munich, lwhieh had devoted iseit 9 development ‘agsietance in Burkina Faso since 2001, com- rmissionad Francis Kéré to design a soc- ‘ondary school in Dano. As with the Gance Primary School the fundamental aim a the ‘now building project at Dano was to co- valop an architacture that was appropriate 1o the region, that was bath economically and climatically sustainable, and that used focal materials. The L-shaped complex Is divided inta tour modules of about sixty square meters and consists of three classrooms, a computer room, and office space, linked together by a root structure spanning all thase spaces. In tho outside space between them there | 2 rooted seneciyare with an oval sitting ‘area sunk inta its Moar, providing a central ‘communal space for the pupils. ‘The buildings stand on a raised granite plinth that protects the structure from erosion in heavy rain. All the walls are thirty centime= ters thlek, load-bearing, and mage of block work in a bright shade of dark ochre. The blocks wore made from the laterite strata that occur in ths iron-rich region. Latarite {the result of the long weathering of racks ang is often foune in the tropics Using sim= ple nand tools the movst material was cut out ff the strata, dressed to the size of bricks and air-dried. These bricks were then built Up using a small amount of mortar, so that ‘he natural red calor of the laterite woul ‘become a craative element of the fagade = \With cimatic conditioning in ind the build ings were erlented east-west, reducing tne amount of direct sunlight falling on the wall surfaces. For both eanstructian and climatic reasons Kéré covered the main structure ef the building witha corrugated iron roof with ventilation space underneath and a consid- erable overhang that shades the walls and {Nes protection trom rain. The roots elo- gant. undulating curves are not simply aes~ thet, they are also functional: they control the draining away of wator during raintall and the curved corrugated iron protrusions provide shade for tne window emorasures ‘ven when the sun is high The metal reat 's supported on a fligres Tramewark mace in madules af three-meter spans. The longitudinally orientes curved beams are made of steal reinforcing bars fourteen and sitgen milimeters thek, and fitted and welded in situ? Below this struc- ‘ure isa suspended caling of hallow cemont blocks, plastered and farmed into sueces- sion of inverted barre! vaults. Between the vaults are air vents that provide constant fir eneulation and enaole the space to be ventilated naturally. The rooms themselves also have windowless openings with folding slatted panels of colored metal tnat can be ‘opened vo provide targeted ventilation In this scheme too, Kéré was sensitw to ‘on-site aifriculties and problems: the ex- ‘treme climatic conaitions ang the region's scarcity of resources, for examples Out of his creative wealth of ideas a succession of innovative construction details develones, and ultimately It was possiote ta complete the schoo! in 2007—the design and building process having taken no more than a year‘ransom and agit action For him, the greatest success, alongside recagrition of the project via a multiplicity ff architectural prizes, tke the 2009 Giobal ‘Award for Sustainable Architecture, was the Joint ettort znat tne creation of tne schoo! ‘riggered. The winole project was carried ‘out with the cooperation of all the people of the village, while in the process its youngar members were tained thanks 10 Kérd’s foundation Schulbausteine tur Ganda ve 1 Formorcetlese nermaeralscnonan pane 8 Architecture (2008), 2.112. (Gut augue. 20081 9p 66-5 cn aruary 200.1 luagazi of Sustains Design (Uy ~ ne, 00, xpoded agra Steen y Francis nd ‘SECONDARY SCHOOLIVILLAGEOPERA VILLAGE REMDOOGO ‘The partly complated Opera Village Rem- doogo—"tastival in English—nad its toun- dation stone laid in February 2010 and at the time of writing is still only partially completed. it has a site area ot some nve hectares. which makes it one of Francis Kérés biggest projects. The location is un~ sual: out inthe savannan of Burkina Faso, some thirty Kilometers northeast of ihe capital Ouagadougou. The scheme origi- nated trom cooperation between Kéré and ‘me German nim, theater, ana opera alrec- tor Christoph Schlingensief. who died on ‘August 21, 2010. Their joint endeavor began at the end of 2008 through the agency of tor Andiors, who was then the Diractor of ‘the Goethe-Institut in Janannesturg? ‘Aqvisea and inspired by Kéré, whose bulld- ings provide for the essential health and ‘education needs of their respective local opulations, Schlingensiet_modined nis ‘original vision ofa Rayreuth-innuenced fes- tival theater in Africa inta a multi-functional Opera ilaga. At 13 heart a pertormance center was ta be erected in the final build Jing phase, but it would be accompanied by tesidantial accommogation, workshops, anc commercial puilcingssome ef them now ccompleted—along with a medical canter ‘inishee in 2014 ane a senaol tnat opened in (octoeer 2011. The latter nad a new eurrie~ tulum that intraduced instruction in artistic subjects in Burkina Faso for the frst time. ‘hat triggered che eearrangement of pi frites in the building program were the \dovastating floods in Burkina Faso in Sop- tember 2008, which lett 150,000 pacple (oaray compe) | se 16.2007 hone Festnininaus Ar gm without shelter. The “function modules" that Kéré nad by then developed for ine Op ra Village were nat only eapable ef serving as amergency accommodation, but could also be used as a prototype for rebullaing the population's nousing. Hence the Op fra Village program was subdivided into three phases focused on particular needs— fang 0 the consituetion af the school, the function modules, and the medical canter, al orginally schedulea ror the nial phase, were brought forward? OPERA VILLAGE The layout of the Opora Village is reminis~ cnt of the kraal, an Atrican type of settle ‘ment traditionally of circular plan. For Ker the spiral form derived trom this is meant to symbolize growin and aso to taciitate the later expansion of the Vilage. The spi ral form unfolds the layout of the Village, starting with the Festival Theater, which 1s Intended to occupy the center of the whole complex. and continues with the rest of the buildings that raciate out trom it In this projeet too, Kéré is innovating and developing the use of lacal building mate~ rials—particularly to optimize woather ro- sistance and intarnal air temperature and ‘quality. For load-bearing elements bricks have been employed, made on site from clay with the addition of a small amount of cement. Eucalyptus woad Is used for cel Ings and facades laterita for plastered areas, and earth for floors, but industriallyproduced materials are employed as well tor example sheet mata for root surtaces, steel bars for supporting structures, and tinforced concrete for pilars and beams, A sangy road laaes to the Vilage trom the ‘west, and the two completed schoo! bulla ingsarelocated whereit enters. Outside the raal are tna mecical center to the south- feast and a sports ground to the northwest {aia out radially around the village’ stil ‘unbuit center, twenty of the functian mod- ules nave been completed so far, varying in size, plan. and elevation. FUNCTION MODULES. Exposed brickwork, up-slanted projecting eaves. and novel roof construction char- ‘acterize the appearance of the function ‘modules. Far these units Kéré turnadi to the ouble-root system na had already davel- ‘oped to create natural ait-conditioning ‘between tne masonry ceiling and the cor- rugated-iron upper oot on its metal-rad supporting structure there is space that encourages air circulation ana counteracts ‘overheating of the building. Furthermore, ‘metal supports braced together enable the ro0fs to have large overhangs that create ‘shage ang ward ort rain South of the entrance to the Village sik modules are arranged alongside one an- fiher, their projecting rots pointing in- wards to the Village center. The est ve af thom are used as workshops. offices, and warehouses, but tne stn module—aiong with two others, slightly set back—are used a8 schoal dining halls. Adjoining these on ‘he e26t ato seven living modules intended for teachers and administrate parson ‘el, or alternatively as guesthouses. Hore the Mist type af module gives way 10 @ tesidential Unit of two stories with slightly off-center root surtacas, each rising to wards the center of the bullaing, pierced bby ahigh chimney, which creates a dynamic toot structure, Four more rasiaential units fo the same construction nave bean com- pleted in the northwest of the site, as well 2s, slightly set apart a recording studio, PRIMARY SCHOOL A total of three buildings are envisaged In the site plan. They sit at the entrance to te Vilage: slender bars of elongated rectangular plan grouped so a co artieu- lata a trapezoidal open space overlooking the Vilage canter. The two southernmost ‘uildings are almost icemtical, while the northerly ane is slightly mocified, The ar- chitectural concept ot all three buildings is ‘he same, and isa variation on the schools Kéra had alreacy completed in 2001 and 2007 in Gango ana Dano. The two northerly bullaings nave been completed at the time of writing. The mad- Ular classrooms are arranged at irregular Intervals on extensive plinths (that of the orthernmast range, at about twelve by ‘thiry-five moters, iS slightly mora com- pact): three rooms in the southerly range ‘and two in the northerly—the lattar's slightly larger western roam was originally Intendes tor cultural purposes but, cue to shortage af school places, was roas- signed for teaching. The classrooms, cur- rently configured for rity pupils. nave clay brick walls. Regularly spaced buttresses— currently two on the short sides and nve fon the long-artieviate their unplastered sides, which creates a rhythmic alterna tlon of light ane shade along the wall. Te snort sides are wingoivless, out on tne long sides tal. rectangular window embrasures and doorways pierce the walls betwaen the buttresses. Retractable blinds with swivel ing sats regutata the inflow of ar. Here too 2 doubla-foa! systom is adopted: transverse vaulted cellings cover the class- rooms. Above these the upper roof’ fatter curve of corrugated iron, with its extensive overhangs, Seems to hover over the whole length of the building, eustainad by a sup- ort framework of metal rod and a concrete ‘beam running tha lengtn af each side FESTIVAL THEATER The Fostival Theater planned for the center of the Opera Village is not—as one might suspect from the name—meant to be used for classic opera productions. but rether instead as a venue for intercultural events ane activities Seen in the plan, the central space Is de signod as two circular stapes of different sizes that Intorpenetrate each other. The RL OPERA VILLAGE RENDOOGOconceptual stetch for the site pan, Busing @ 600-soat auditorium nas a diameter of some twenty-five meters and, ike an an- lent Roman theater, nas a two-part cavea with rakod rows of seats, a girdle ring. and axial staircases. There is also @ smaller stage area with a round orchestra, and @ raised apron canted towards the audito~ tum. Here it Is intended that Schiingen- siet's “Animatograph,” @ multi-functional revolving stago, will be installed Curves wall ections inzo the sinuosives ot whieh otner runetions or the event space {are Incorporated spirally envelop the stage area and auditorium. A characteristic fea ture of tne building is the outer tacing eu- calyptus wood slats that project above the (also spiral-shaped) corrugated ion roof \which slopes upwards tom above the stage area towards the auditorium. CRITICAL RECEPTION The Opera Village project, which was sup- ported by the then President of Germary, Horst Kitler, the German Foreign Minis ty, and the Goethe-Institut, nas aroused ‘some controversial mesa discussion, Crit ‘cism focuses in particular en the concept of “opera,” of which there is no tradition in Burkina Faso and wnich is seen elsewnere {as an art form of the European educated classes. Because there are still broad sec- tors of the Burkinabé population who were shaped by the socialist ideas af Presi- dent Thomas Sankara, murdered in 1987 fale cultural events will prasumenly nat oe unreservedly welcomed. Further con- ure cites a lace of involvement with local figures, particularly representatives of tne countrys rich cultural scene: exactly the people one would want to engage with ina sympathetic exchange. This problem is ex- acerbated by the geographical remoteness of the Opera Village, which for most of the Population is very Nard to reach because thare is na public transpart to it Nonetheless, the primary school, opened In Octozer 2011, nas Been mat with great approval. It is providing 228 children from surrounding villages—0ys and girls—with fee access to education and ane meal a ay. A desire to enhance the perfarmance skills and cultural identity of the pupils as seen the introduction of a currievium neve to Burkina Faso that caters ta artistic sub- Jacts lik thester, music, and film alongsiaa traditional felds of study. This goes back 10 Kéré and the switeh of priorities trom tne Festival Theater to the school that was es— tablisned before Schlingensiers deatn, and seems to in with it. He, Schiingensiet, saw the Opera Village in tha light of Josoph Buys “social sculpture.” which should be Infvenced by the ideas of the people who live in its he sought to widen the concept of “opera” and to co so as tne school coes—by uniting art ana ite kaOPERA VILLAGE RENDOOGOfromthe ye, 2016 mM 248, 7, 2ane 2,200, 9. 15-12, Mann echluchet* Zeit Online, Kusut 1,207 lr Senbnensielaceasee 1.2089) ze. Dweke-Aguks ant fr Senmte (eas) 2010, he ‘tons Tomaon? ex cat. Bar, Naonagalara (C0- togne 2010) 5 (aceoese uy 7.205) Ata (Wiesbaden 200) Seningenst Ovosoph, ona Frans Fests hue re. nen nA, 709.2010 ro. E-S eran men 048i el (acca edu 1,208) Operndrt in Butking Fase” Sn 06 ine, 202, ht! sniper ae mnnevenstr-cer-rx-enaen Msreus, Ovthen. “Ein Projet yon beeinaeken Dousenanatnk, December 10, 2014, masudousn Jor305705(accseos 4 gust 2016 31 Simone Kat 2050, “merdow mit Dbédo Francs te eehttaentuns, tobe 200 evar accened ust 4,200, 4 uenyve won was pone torte nga of te bron 8, 2. wnospieneldehutur essa ‘xmaei-zum-laban-2-T4358mum(accesso02UNT. 200)Cl UOLOWO sLUU5 all \ ql a al h l = wb ala p : ee‘ne or ne couryaras ot penings in re wal, XX CENTRE DE SANTE ET DE PROMOTION SOCIALE Laongo, 2 rural vilage in the midalo of Bur- kina Faso, sufferee massive food damage Jn August 2008, Pri to the Mood, a large architectural project conceives and. pro- ‘duced in cooperation with the late Garman ‘eater, opera and film director Christoph Schlingonsie, calad the Opera Vilage, was ‘already in maven, After this catastrophic event, which destroyed ouses as well as Infrastructure, the Opera Village project has ‘been reoriented to prioritize tne educatio~ nal, residential, anc medical care runctions. Thus, the Centre de Santé et de Promation Sociale (C3PS) became part af the design. ‘The CSPS, built n 20%4, is part of the Opera village, which is now a thirty-fve-acre campus consisting of residential and ‘equcational amenities such as classrooms, sound and art studies, housing, canteen. ‘nursery, and a performance center (not built yet). The CSPS, lacated at the end of ‘9 winding path daseanding tram the opera house hill provices the complex with haath ‘ang meaical facies for te local ponula~ tion. The building fallows the same aes- thetic and construction principles of the (opera village and ot most works by Francis Kéré, such as the use of vernacular builaing techniques. and locally available materi~ als (nare, compressed clay bricks for the Jead-earing structure, evealyptus wood for the suspended ceilings. and laterite stone for the paved area around the cen- ter). The project was realized by volunceers ff the Garman nonprofit organization Grin= holme e.v, and local staff viho were emplo~ yeo anc tained sex 200m #1 ak From a functional point of view, the contor encompasses three units organized around 8 central reception area: dentistry, gyneco- logy and obstatrics. anc general medicine Examination rooms, offices, a pharmacy, and two open courtyards far gathering and waiting complete the functional program of ‘the complex. Unpretentious and modest in contrast 10 traditional healtheare buildings, the CSPS nas a lively and playful architec= ‘ure. Far trom being 2 source of fear and Uuneasiness, the unimposing structure is perceived by the local people as an agroe- aole place, thus fostering easy access to basic treatment and preventative care? The extarior is charactorized by an irrogu- lar fenestration design resulting from three moduies of aitfarant sizes that otter va~ ried views of the landscape outside. Each window frames a specific part of the sur- roundings, creating several unique views of the savanna desert. As Francis Kéré points ‘ut, ‘pacple are the basis at avery piece of work" in the Sanse that his arehicacture res- nds totheneeds of the users and provides pleasant environments for the community Incluaing socially engaged bullaings. The cammurityitsel is involved and participates inthe design and construction process. An Important goal ot Keres approach isto use Idantineation and participation as tools tor positive development The centers interior rooms are airy and fil- Jed with natural light. Natural ventilation in the bullging is achieved by two funda- ‘mental maans: the particular fagade design with a multtude of epenings when provide‘camer agram the interiar with the trash air cooled dawn Jn the shaded areas of the courtyards, ana the use of low-pitenad roots with central ‘openings through which the hot and stale airflow out? Callings are mace ot concrete Joists supporting @ metal roof structure. A double-envelope construction of the walls protects the building trom rain: tne In- rer walls are made of compressed-earth bricks, the auter ones of concrete bricks coated in clay+ Both the internal anc ex- ternal walls are eharacterizea by the warm colors of earth and clay and by the rough texture of the surfaces. Although che clinic does nat cisaay the ‘ypical characteristics ef Keres architec ture, which is rapresented by the linear alignment of alternating rooms anc in-ne- ‘ween passages under a large avernanging {o0f, it epitomizes a good example of how the architectural language can differ and stl result in a product that serves the same climatic, socal, and economic needs. coc or Meypstat, vk. 3, Bern 208.102 Archie tral Racer e203) 2.08, CENTRE DE SANTE ET DE PROMOTION SOCIALE aaHaU33 alu; HU HN ifcourte, 201 2 Cantal ouryar, 20% SURGICAL CLINIC AND HEALTH CENTER ‘The Léo Surgical Clinic sets now standards {or the development of medicine in Burkina Faso. The project by the charity Oparieren in Afrika improves healthcare in the West arrican country, wnere many men, women, and children nave no access to urgently ‘needed medicine and treatmant. The clinic stands besice a main road in tne provincial capital of Sissi, near the Ghana border. I 's open twenty-four hours a day ta pravige ‘asic medical care for some 60,000 pacple In this southern region ot the country anc {also acts as an access point for internatio~ nal surgical missions. [After many years of experience with doc tors, carogivers, and hospitals locally, the charity Operieren in Afrika, founded in Freiourg-im-Breisgau in 2001, decided 10 build @ hospital and health center dedi catad for its medical aid program in Burkina Faso. The vilage ebiets provided a site for Franeis Kéré's design, and on it the ehar- ity ouitt an exemplary clinic that came into operation in 2014. Through this bullaing's skies use of local resources and pioneer Ing ecological measures Kéré Architecture provided a clear viaw or te way rorward tor Burkina Faso's development. ‘The clinics rooms are spread betwen ton Dudings arranged, as though in a vllage, ‘along 8 wining central street; further bul: ding modules can be added later, as the charity donations anc oudget permit. To contain costs, each individual cuboid space has the same dimensions. Spatial arrange ‘ment is simple and clear: along one side of ‘me central east-ivest as lie the operating theater and the treatment and recovery rooms, with the in-patient wards and admi~ ristration rooms fining the other. Thore are shady niches ane courts between the inci vidual bullcings, wnose entrances all ava nto the central “street.” which is used as ‘8 meating place and rendezvous for pati~ tenis and thei fiends and relatives, Quisi¢e ground surfaces are red clay punctuated with argas of pebbles. The buildings are ‘made of pressed mud bricks that store up the eoainess af the night air and give taut ‘again through the day. For manual work on the site Kere Architecture cooperated with lacal workers and trainee them to week with ‘mud, an innovative material, and its asseci- ated techniques, which they would be able to put to use on ather projects as vel The raised roats ofthe individual clinic bul- ings project consicerably beyand the walls ang overlap each other, shading the auts ido areas around the structures and, during the few rainy manths, protecting people ‘ane: mud walls trom the wet. Thair raises corrugated iron surfaces, with phatavottaic panels mounted on them, are supported by a steal Miigree structure, leaving tree air space above the concrete upper surfaces of the buildings. Whila the hot air is drawn Into this interspace, cooler air can circu late through the rhythmically but irregu larly placed windows of the clni’s rooms. Strongly projecting frames of colored con- terete Surround the small windows and light shafts of the inner roams, making a kindly leregular pattern that contrasts with tne reaaish tagace.‘The natural ventilation system and the in ‘ulation capability of mud brick allow the perceived temperature of the inside rooms 10 be ten degrees lower than tha tempera ture outside. The operating theater in the ‘surgical wing is Tully air-conditioned, no- ‘wover, with the solar panels an the clinic ro0t supplying the power tor tne cooling twinesy percent of the establishment's day- to-day energy use can be proved by the automated system, and backup trom the emergency generator 's needed only ance ‘2 month. Further self-sufficiency comes from a storage pand in whieh the infre ‘quent rainwater oF this ery region ig eallee tod, and from the countrys fst biological waste watar treatment pam. ‘The wards of the Lo Surgical Cline ang Health Center provide a total of ten beds, Un ‘sual for Burkina Faso, each patient room has fis avin bath with Shower and tole. & ream (of ten Burkinabaé start handles day-t0-6ay ‘working and. in adcition, international opera ting teams in various specialties come several times a year to treat patients alongsive arr can colleagues. The time these teams spond {in Gurkina Faso is also used for intensive Turther training of Burkinab® physicians an ‘nursas. The treatment provided is free. Some 300 people a month recaWve medical nela Jn L6o, many of wham earnt afford the ex- pense af going to the District Hospital. About three-quarters ofthe surgical clinic's monthly ‘expenditure and salary costs are covered by voluntary contributions from pationts, with the ‘omaining €,500 a month financed by contei- ‘butions trom Operteren in trika Bernhard Rumstact, founder of Operiaren In Aka and Chief Physician at the Diakonie Hospital, Frofourg-im-Breisgau, says. "For ‘me development aid is international un- derstanding. | nave mace trienas neve, anc We work and laugh together” Before long ‘2 matornity ward is ta be added to the Léo complex, plugging another considerable {gan inthe region's healtheare SH ‘riiosrarhy "nase ink do. Suna Fea" es WADED again 8 Arnie 6 esi (201) po. 857 re Hechtctre, Pract Deserpar see earn sreractr com/ prj ce. uch/Geman Arcntactine Anni! 2038/1 (dune 2015), 162-7 Earnnore 7 (kugut/Saremtar, 20) ‘modules, ote acade, g ‘SURGICAL CLINIC AND HEALTH CENTERei plan 4AND HEALTH CENTERik i I An rl ll —J uss | Cf BS ; . — — 3 ~ 5 = a > cAcereal our, 206 gece, 2016 “he canta enurtyard LYCEE SCHORGE SECONDARY SCHOOL In Koucougou, 100 kilometers from the cap- ‘tal city Ouagadougou. on open rural land ‘among the scattered vilage compounds ‘ang mango traes, the builsing rises as if it | a natural formation of te recsish ang flat topography. The refined abstraction of the organic, circular, and introverted mass, (gradually tums into a tagade, walls, and a ‘oof as ane approaches, hears the sound of ‘the metal boll, and notices the chatting anc cycling teenagers, the caratul plantings, ine Water tower, and the sports tlds around the area. lycée Schorpe. the latest and big {gest school of the architect Francis Kere in Burkina Faso was launched n February 2016. ‘The school was initiated and financed by the Stern Stowart Institute. The institue ‘uns projects to support econamic im- provement and education in Africa, It has built many schools thus far, and is offering iteracy courses for women in Burkina Faso. Aiar having met Francie Kérl's works in ‘the AFFITECTURE exhibition in Architektur ‘museum in Munich in 2012 and convinces by his unique approach in architecture, ‘Susanne Pert! decided to wark with Kéré on ‘a naw school project. Kéré followed nere the same fundamental principles, which he utilized in his previous projects in Burkina Faso. He used local Iy-sourced tulléing materials ana on-site production methods without any heavy ‘machinery, employed and trained about 100 urkinabé in the construction, and applies Jow-feen design mathads to provide naty- ral vontlation within the building, which is crucial in tn harsh climate. Well-stuciee sex 1.680 2 (8 hectares gros) and learnod expertise, which Kore ropeat~ edly gained an-site in his previous projects, allaned Kéré’s biggest sehae! building to be completed in eighteen months. Almeugh the main principles remain the same, Kero architecture improves with ev- ery building. affering new elements, which Provide a more sophisticated and unique language. Kéré abandons his familiar linear layout approach in this project. The radial plan, wnien raters to tne layout oF the ver~ acular compounds in tne area, aims at an autonomous village form, especially useful for the use of the space as an educational facility. The vo wings of the building con- sist of articulated rectangular modules, which rotate slightly to create the radial layout. The modules, three on one wing, ix on the other, accommadate a series of classrooms, administration rooms, @ I~ brary, and a dental cline and weap around ‘8 central public courtyard that fs accessible from the northwest and south cirections. ‘nis connguration also nelps te protect tne Inner courtyard against wind and dust. The wide and over-hanging root protects tho facades trom direct sunlight and rain, and provides mare shaded space for the users to spend time autside. 1 connects tha two wings of tne bullding, except the northwest side, where two wings open up to punctu- ate the main entrance. All classroom modules have the same size: 724 square meters. They have 1wo en- trances each from the courtyard and outer fagades. The narrow windows, which rise Up tothe concrete beam, let the air in andLYCEE SCHORGE SECONDARY SCHOOL100 Pan sketcrs tr Lye ‘Senerge Seeoneary control tho light by the movable mechanism of tne shutters. the walls are built ot locally harvastad laterite stone, whieh was eut and shaped into bricks in the nearby quarry? ‘ne thermal mass capability of the later- Ite nelps to keep the temperature of inner space at a lower level. The wave-ke cel Ings, whieh are reminiscent of the mutt vaulted ceilings of Operndort Scheol, are in Schorge made of concrete and plaster, lang have more openings that turn the cel Ings toa pertorated surtace. This particular element not only helps the interior space breathe and expel hot stagnant air, but also with the off-white colar serves ta diffuse and spread around indirect daylight that is nocessary for the learning space. Antner naw element Kere introduces with this project is the huge wind-catch- ing towar that rises above the overhanging root. The architect employed an ancient n= vention, whien is based on the basic rine! ples of aerodynamics, Malgaris a high shatt rising above tne buliding with an opening facing the prevailing wind. It was invented in hot arid zones where thermal comfort {depends mostly on ar movement. The 2ar- lest examples are known trom 1300 BC from ancient Egypt? Located at the back- side of each module, nino triangular tou~ fers rige along the height ot tne oulaing, surpass the roof and generate steady air ‘movement indoors, The metal root extands ‘over the Quilding on a space frame strue~ ture, which sits on a concrate beam. The roof, a typical olemant of Kare, is detached trom the bullaing and allows air creulationTOOHOS AUVONOIIS JOYOHIS 339A1102 ‘iw tem the garnering 0 ata in-botwean the space, helping the ventila~ ‘ton of tha rooms below. ‘Tha third new elemanc ef the project fs the waoden screen that wraps around the auter Tacade lke a transparent fabric This sec- ‘ond layer of the fagade Is made from the fast-growing eucalyptus wood and acts a5 2 shading element, particularly for the im- ‘magiate and informal gathering spaces in front of the back doors of the classrooms. They nat only protect the classrooms trom ‘the oust ana wing, aut also denne tnese al- temative places for the students to spend ‘ume betiveen the classes. Tha last two new ‘elements are found on the inner an auter fagadas. On the outer fagada, tha window ‘shutters transform into curved seating el ‘ements mase ot wood, wnien provide com- fortable rest corners. These seats caver the ‘concrete tunnels inserted into the lower side of tne windows tor ventilation. The same concrete tunnels project more tram ‘the facade 19 bacoma the seating slaments ‘on the inner tagaa. These projacting ele ments break the two-dimensional vertical- ity and bring a dynamic configuration to the racades. The positive Influence of the architec ture dasignad to serva the neods of the stugents Is not dificult to gee in tne sec- ‘ondary sence! in Kausougou. Ninaty-rour ‘stugents® spend mast af the day in the fre, ‘open, spacious, and playful indoor anc out door spaces of the senaa! learning trom, ‘and contributing to, cheir environment 4a