Led by legacy
Designing Better Leaning Environments
UNICEF Low Cost Schools in State of Sinnar .
In a constantly changing world, affected by climate change; where resources are becoming scarcer and wellbeing is more prioritized than ever, after the Covid19 pandemic and its variants breakout Tekno Consultancy continues to tackle the built environment with care and empathy.
Learning environments can no longer be looked at separately, if a human centered design is to be achieved. Educational environment is becoming more integrated with wellbeing, for a holistic green value delivery; which can only be a result of implementing sustainability strategies.
UNICEF has awarded Tekno Consultancy 180 schools prototype design as part of rehabilitation and upgrading existing schools, in all Sudanese states in 2017. In 2021 UNICEF awarded Tekno new design and supervision projects, for four schools prototypes, in the State of Sinnar.
Low-cost projects such as these schools, are a challenge in an economy that is struggling still. But still with more studies and analysis and above all, thinking of creative solutions can produce innovative, practical yet simple to implement ideas. Tekno utilized heat mitigation strategies such as daylight usage as the main lighting source, producing a completely off grid configuration based on natural lighting studies and lighting distribution methods in deep inner spaces
Long eves and recessed windows along with the right orientation for the building where design tools used to protect from heat gain. Photovoltaic panels on the roof where the sole and clean, renewable source of energy needed to run the schools; for some of the schools plots have no electricity supply. This also ensures that the school day runs uninterruptedly, not allowing long cut-offs of power in some locations to stop the learning process.
Air quality was properly catered for through an efficient use of natural ventilation windows placement. Natural daylight provision and its in-space distribution, was prioritized in the holistic design approach used. This ensures cost-effectiveness without compromising the built environment’s quality. Prototypes were designed to be modular; the classroom module, offices and toilets module work in a systemic way to ease up future expansion. Classroom layouts ensure considers COVID precautions and social distancing.
Materials were selected with special attention to their thermal performance and from the local communities. Tekno’s supervision team will ensure they are ethically sourced.
Aesthetics were not overlooked, for a limited budget does not mean having soulless environments. Tekno introduced a cheerful color palette based on a deep understanding of color psychology for the built educational environment. The result was an off-grid; sustainable low cost, yet an eye-pleasing, child-centered design.