If the Foundation of German Architects(Opens in a new tab) has its way, then Davin Schröder has created one of the five best young designs in the country. His "Earth School" for the village of Kafountine in Senegal was awarded recognition and 2500 euros in prize money in the "Förderpreis NRW" competition.
The competition jury, chaired by architect and urban planner Prof. Rolf-Egon Westerheide (Aachen), was impressed by the depth of analysis, expertise and empathy of Davin Schröder's design. Like the other award-winning works, it demonstrates the ability to "plan in a sustainable and climate-friendly way, to conserve natural resources and to deal responsibly with value creation and dismantling in the sense of the circular economy."
Schröder's competition entry is the result of his Master's thesis. The task was to design a secondary school for Kafountine. "This resulted in further aspects," explains Prof. Christine Remensperger, who supervised Schröder's thesis: "For example, the consideration of a simple construction method and the inclusion of the inhabitants through local traditions and ornamentation." Prof. Remensperger emphasizes that the prize is important because it stands for the quality of education at all universities in NRW.
The regional perspective counts
Davin Schröder explains: "Kafountine is strongly influenced by demographic change. It's a coastal town and many people are moving there from the countryside. Schools are urgently needed there right now."
In addition to a sustainable approach to nature, the guiding principles of his design were the use of regional resources such as clay and the creation of a friendly environment that promotes learning.
Schröder's design comprises four elongated, staggered building sections. They blend in with the vegetation and leave space for courtyards and trees in their open spaces. The division of the buildings into individual modules offers two advantages: Firstly, it creates additional recreational areas that promote social interaction between the pupils. Secondly, they enable a flexible construction process in several phases. Local craftspeople can learn new skills and inexpensive and sustainable techniques during this construction and implement them in possible further construction projects in the region.
Airy, light rooms
Schröder took the local climatic conditions into account: due to the heavy rainfall typical of this region, Schröder opted for a rain-protecting roof landscape. The 50-centimetre-thick walls made of handmade clay bricks are structured by symmetrically arranged openings to the outside that let in light and air. In combination with the open roof construction made of wood, bamboo or steel, they allow for a pleasant indoor climate despite average temperatures of over 30 degrees.
At this year's award ceremony, three equal prizes were awarded, each with 4000 euros in prize money. Davin Schröder received one of two "recognitions" for his design. A total of 31 works by university graduates were submitted.
The award-winning works will be on display at the Baukunstarchiv(Opens in a new tab) in Dortmund until Sunday, March 5, 2023, open Tue to Sun from 2 to 5 pm. Admission is free.