School in tents

September 2013 - March 2014

SHORT DESCRIPTION

The design process for the "school in tents" of Ramadin Al Janub has been carried on with a strict attention to the management of the available resources and in strong connection with the local community: the tents have been considered as a resource, in particular re-using the metal tubes structure as a grid around which build the new walls. The technique of Pisè that is used in the outside walls, has been re-interpreted and adapted to this main idea. According to this approach the construction phases have been divided in simple steps: reinforce the metal tubular structure; provide a solid and waterproof basement; construct insulating walls and roof; building of partition with bricks that has been realized locally, provide finishing. The re-use of the tubes is a way to recycle materials that otherwise would have ended their life cycle. The new interventions has been realized with natural and low-impact materials. Earth and straw compose walls and partitions and are used in two different techniques: Pisè (a mixture of straw and mud compressed in formworks) for the walls and the lightweight brick constructed in place for the partitions. The ceiling and pavement has been realized in wood, whether the plastering is made of clay and lime.The aesthetic that comes from this process derives from the composition of the available materials, which are assembled to respond to specific problems; the building appearance is the form of the process that generated it. The arcs of the barrel vaults of the roof meet to create a landscape that goes along the topography of the place, and the shadows of the strong sunlight on the new volumes draw indoor and outdoor spaces and paths.