Boito Sarno Architects participate in Fuorisalone Digital 2020 presenting the Timeabu Kindergarden project in Ghana in collaboration with Madanfo Project and Radef Foundantion. Awarding the first prize in an international competition, the judges praised the project both for its commitment to sustainability and the use of Ashanti cultural references.

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, creating a ‘stack’ effect encouraging the movement of air through the classroom. Bamboo is a beautiful material with a low embodied carbon, economical and used throughout the world because of ease and speed of construction. Rainwater is collected from the roofs into tanks providing handwashing facilities.

The disposition of the new classroom walls is inspired by WOFORO DUA PA A “when you climb a good tree” symbol of support, cooperation an encouragement. The classroom arrangement is based on the traditional Akan home consisting of houses with verandas around a central courtyard where performances took place.Anansi is an Akan folktale character, known as the owner of all stories in the world. The Anansi courtyard is 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.

For the landscape proposals, we looked at SANKOFA “return and get it” symbol of importance of learning from the past, reflected in the shapes we propose for the green spaces around the buildings. The bamboo screens make further reference to Adinkra symbols. We chose MFRAMADAN “wind-resistant house” symbol of fortitude and readiness to face life’s vicissitudes but many others can be selected by the local community. 

The digital content also highlights the issue of embodied carbon by drawing attention to the huge environmental impact of materials commonly used in construction in contrast with earth and plant-based materials.

Terra!, a raw earth installation designed by Boito Sarno Architects to raise funds for the Timeabu at Milan’s Fuorisalone, will now take place in 2021. Situated in a historic apartment in the heart of the Brera Design District, the installation is inspired by the Teatro Continuo by Alberto Burri and Donald Judd’s installations in his Spring Street home in Manhattan.  

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© 2020 Boito Sarno Architects Ltd