Project
Earth School

Category 
Best Project of Public Building or Facility

About the project
The design aims to provide an education facility constructed by the villagers using local materials. Design flexibility allows the school to grow following the needs of the community's natural growth. The full school is subdivided into 5 blocks not only for the ease of construction phasing but also to resemble the five-pointed green star on Senegal’s flag which represents African unity and hope for the future. The layout is centred by a large stepped courtyard naturally shaded by Tree of Life. In this symbolic manner, students will have hope for the future and be prepared to make a difference in the world. As well to the stepped platform providing a socializing area for the students under the shade, the excavated earth is used in the construction of the building, which reduces the need for additional outside materials. Ecologically-friendly construction uses local materials and easy-to-learn construction methods so it can be built by local workers.

Location
Kafountine, Senegal

Project design year
2022

Extra visual materials (photos, videos etc.)
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/egkv8euy37428m9/AACRKqNNN4WQbWsE3uY2NVkEa?dl=0

Project status
Conceptual design

Applicant and authors of the project
Bassel Omara and BO-Designs. Omara is a multi-award-winning architect, designer, and artist with a humanitarian vision who has won numerous accolades and honours both domestically and internationally. His name has become synonymous with many of the region’s most successful architectural projects, leading to him being ranked 7th on Creative 30 Powerlist 2021 by Design Middle East. Over 14 years of global experience, Omara has a proven track record of success in both the public and private sectors on a wide range of projects.

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