Gando Primary School

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The new school building in Gando is a part of a larger complex which includes teachers’ housing, a well, allotments and a sports field. The building and materials are adapted to both local climate and economic conditions. The roof shades the facades and protects the rammed earth from rain. Cooling air is allowed to flow between the roof and the classroom ceilings. The floor is made of beaten earth. Metal shutters can be opened in various configurations to admit light and air through large windows. Timber, difficult to obtain and subject to termite attack, was hardly used.
The success of the first primary school in Gando resulted in the need for its extension. Completed in 2001, the school was designed for 120 students. The involvement of the community in the building process and the strong identity that the school provided to the village led to an increase in the number of students.

The underlying design principle follows the same climatic considerations as in the first school (describe the same here if need be) but its physical articulation is different. The massive ceiling used in the first school gave way to vaults with slits which would let in light and help the hot air to escape. There are cavities in the vault itself which act as a buffer and reduce overheating in the classrooms.

Like in the first school, a wide overhanging metal roof is used for protection against rain and sun. It absorbs direct sun light, makes the air between the two layers circulate and guides the hot air out of the building ensuring natural ventilation.This project was special with regard to people’s participation in the building process. During the construction the surrounding village communities of Gando, helped to build the extension. There had been no other instance of this kind of community participation in this region. The school initiated a turning point in the perception of the community. The overwhelming interest of the people for the project surprised the government and put it in action to find ways to support the school in the long run.