MFRAMADAN Kindergaten

Boito Sarno have been awarded the first prize of a competition organised by Madanfo Project and Radef Foundation for a new nursery and kindergarten in Timeabu, a small town in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

The design is based on passive principles to maintain cooler internal temperatures.

Thermal mass is provided by rammed earth walls which, by absorbing and releasing heat slowly, moderate internal temperatures. Cross-ventilation is provided through high level openings and perforated bamboo screens that face a courtyard. These create a ‘stack’ effect that encourages the movement of air through the classroom. Bamboo is a beautiful material with a low embodied carbon, is economical and is used throughout the world because of ease and speed of construction with basic skills. Rainwater is collected from the roofs into tanks that are a visible architectural feature for each of the classrooms and provide handwashing facilities.

The key elements of the projects are informed by Ashanti cultural references, specifically Adinkra symbols, Akan folktales and traditional wax fabrics.

The disposition of the new classroom walls continues the orthogonal composition of the existing buildings and is inspired by the following symbol: WOFORO DUA PA A “when you climb a good tree” symbol of support, cooperation an encouragement. The proposed classroom arrangement is based on the traditional Akan home consisting of houses with verandas arranged around a central courtyard. Performances took place within one of the three stage-like verandas, with the performers in one veranda and the audience standing or seated in the other two open verandas or under the eaves.

Anansi is an Akan folktale character that became known as the owner of all stories in the world. We propose to call the new courtyard the Anansi courtyard as the space is also ideal as an auditorium for Akan folktales. Anansi had to capture some of the most dangerous creatures in the world, namely Onini the Python, Osebo the Leopard, and the Fairy Mmoatia. Each classroom is named after one of these folktale characters which will be fun and educational for the kids.

For the landscape proposals, we looked at the symbol SANKOFA “return and get it” symbol of importance of learning from the past. This symbol has a lovely long curve like a swan neck, reflected in the shapes we propose for the green spaces around the buildings. The bamboo screens provide a fantastic opportunity to make further reference to Adinkra symbols. We have chosen MFRAMADAN “wind-resistant house” symbol of fortitude and readiness to face life’s vicissitudes but many other can be selected by the local community when creating the screens.