| Type of project: |
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Building and civil engineering works |
| Start of construction: |
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May 2011 |
| Author: |
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Diébédo Francis Kéré, Kéré Architecture, Germany |
Project description
This school project in one of the world’s poorest countries aims to provide further education to the inhabitants of a rural area. Gando, with a population of 3000, has no secondary education facilities and lies on the southern plains of Burkina Faso, some 200km from the capital Ouagadougou. Diverse design aspects of the project consider the challenging weather conditions where summer temperatures peak at 40°C. The natural ventilation cooling effect is enhanced by routing air through underground tubes, planting vegetation, and the use of double-skin roofs and façades to achieve a 5°C thermal reduction. The enhanced indoor comfort and conditions are far more conducive to education.
Energy consumption during construction and operation is reduced to a minimum using only the sun and wind. The collection of scarce rainwater is integrated into the planting concept and is used to irrigate newly-planted trees that are intended to help consolidate previously exploited vegetation. Completed projects including an elementary school and library contributed to the evolving research and development process concerning design concepts, technologies and materials.
Diébédo Francis Kéré: “A project about architecture, people, and dealing with two different cultures”Project author Diébédo Francis Kéré of Kéré Architecture, Germany talks about adapting and teaching cement-stabilized reinforced clay casting techniques that are now applied in his home country of Burkina Faso. The project won the Global Holcim Awards Gold 2012, and thanks to the enthusiastic collaboration and hard work of the villagers of Gando, the school is currently under construction.
The video of architect Diébédo Francis Kéré was filmed at the “Panoramadeck” of the Emporio Tower in Hamburg during the launch of the book, Machen! The new publication reports on the progress of six Holcim Awards winning projects by German-based architects from 2011/12. Watch the video by clicking on the image above.
 High-resolution version of video above (ZIP, 16MB)
Enrique Norten: “Outstanding environment”Head of the Global Holcim Awards jury 2012 Enrique Norten applauded the “Secondary school with passive ventilation system” in Gando, Burkina Faso, for its successful approach to community development, climatic mitigation and aesthetics. “This beautiful school is not only an elegant design solution, but it also delivers training and employment, uses local building materials, and – with simple means – creates an outstanding environment from a social viewpoint and also in constructive terms,” he said.
Head of the jury, Enrique Norten, comments on the Holcim Awards Gold 2012 winning project following the jury meeting.
High-resolution version of video above - (ZIP, 5MB)
Lecture: the challenges of sustainable construction in Burkina Faso
Francis Kéré, main author of the Secondary School Gando, gave a detailed and passionate overview of the challenges of sustainable construction. The projects and solutions that he has developed combine an understanding of local requirements with low-tech innovation. The lecture was part of the Global Holcim Awards Gold 2012 handover held at the Rolex Learning Center of the EPFL Lausanne, Switzerland.
 watch video presentation
Image gallery
Secondary school with passive ventilation system, Gando, Burkina Faso
The photographs shown below can be downloaded in high-resolution format by clicking on the link next to the  icon below the image. The images may be used for media and academic purposes and must include a photo credit: Photos © Holcim Foundation. For further enquiries please contact info@holcimfoundation.org.
 Secondary school with passive ventilation system, Gando, Burkina Faso Gando secondary school.  Secondary school with passive ventilation system, Gando, Burkina Faso Site plan.  Secondary school with passive ventilation system, Gando, Burkina Faso The project improves the children of Gando’s future through education  Secondary school with passive ventilation system, Gando, Burkina Faso Enhanced indoor comfort and conditions are far more conducive to education.  Secondary school with passive ventilation system, Gando, Burkina Faso The newly shaded landscape creates a platform for meeting, learning and teaching with multiple sports fields.  Secondary school with passive ventilation system, Gando, Burkina Faso Floor plan – Library.  Secondary school with passive ventilation system, Gando, Burkina Faso The library is a focal point of the Gando school project.  Secondary school with passive ventilation system, Gando, Burkina Faso The buildings are cooled by a specially developed natural cooling system through the walls, ceilings and roof structures.  Secondary school with passive ventilation system, Gando, Burkina Faso Diébédo Francis Kéré presents the Global Holcim Awards Gold 2012 winning project in Hamburg during the launch of the book, Machen! on April 25, 2012.
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