Tendimane Elementary School, Senegal

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In the heart of the remote Casamance region of Senegal, the Tendimane Elementary School has stood as a pillar of the community since 1962. Faced with significant infrastructural challenges, including dilapidated and disparate buildings, the school was in urgent need of intervention. Initially commissioned to rebuild two classrooms, our team at Aedifica quickly identified the potential to rethink the entire site, working closely with the teachers, administration, and the 546-strong village community, including 160 children. Our vision evolved into a sustainable and participatory approach, aiming to transform the school into an optimal learning environment and a true beating heart for Tendimane.

Our design prioritized the conservation and rehabilitation of the existing structures, a strategy that was both economical and ecological. By enclosing the central courtyard with two ingenious new roof structures, we created covered recreation areas, offering welcome shelter from the intense sun and frequent rains. This unifying intervention brought a new coherence to the entire site. Mindful of local energy challenges, we maximized the intake of natural light and cross-ventilation in the design of the spaces, reducing reliance on costly resources.

Faced with the scarcity of conventional construction materials, our approach turned to the use of local resources. Clay bricks from the site, shaped by the community, doors and windows crafted by a local artisan, and mosaic floors designed by the villagers all demonstrate a commitment firmly rooted in the local context. This strategic choice not only facilitated construction and controlled costs but also ensures valuable autonomy for the school's future maintenance, promoting its long-term sustainability.

The result of this collaboration is a transformed school, offering a more comfortable, bright, and stimulating learning environment. The layout around a dynamic central courtyard strengthens the sense of community and belonging. The active involvement of the villagers and local artisans in the construction process has fostered collective pride and a deep commitment to the school. More than just a place of education, the Tendimane Elementary School, reimagined with a sustainable and participatory approach, continues to play an essential role in the well-being and development of the entire community. This project illustrates our commitment to creating meaningful architecture that responds to the specific needs of each context and fosters positive social and environmental impact.