Senegal Secondary School
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 ARCHITECTURE / Public building Architecture | INTERIOR DESIGN / Public Building Interior
School / University Name:Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Spbgasu)
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Sofia Nikolaeva
Design Team / Other designer(s):Sofia Nikolaeva, Alisa Volokhina
Project Location:A village in Senegal
Design Status:Concept
Project Description:
In a village in Senegal, we are creating more than a school. We are building a welcoming space of security and growth — an environment where children's dreams are nurtured, communities unite, and the design harmonizes with the rhythms of daily life. The project utilized key principles of modular design. The school consists of several functional spaces, and the site's unique features were considered when planting it. Trees located in the center of the site shade a space with goats, chickens, and plants. To the south, there is a platform with modular benches and a canopy for a more comfortable stay near a playground. The school spaces are connected by canopies with wooden terraces, allowing communities to interact. Restrooms are also located in the north corner of the site, accessible by a convenient, direct path.
In a village in Senegal, we are creating more than a school. We are building a welcoming space of security and growth — an environment where children's dreams are nurtured, communities unite, and the design harmonizes with the rhythms of daily life. The project utilized key principles of modular design. The school consists of several functional spaces, and the site's unique features were considered when planting it. Trees located in the center of the site shade a space with goats, chickens, and plants. To the south, there is a platform with modular benches and a canopy for a more comfortable stay near a playground. The school spaces are connected by canopies with wooden terraces, allowing communities to interact. Restrooms are also located in the north corner of the site, accessible by a convenient, direct path.
Project Innovation / Specification:
The project mainly uses materials such as earth bricks, bamboo, wood, and concrete. The multifunctional hall occupies a central place in the project. It is suitable for a wide range of uses. A large-span structure system was used for the roof, and removable panel shutters were designed to provide protection from sunlight. The interior features modular bookshelves made of wooden planks that can also be used as seating.
The project mainly uses materials such as earth bricks, bamboo, wood, and concrete. The multifunctional hall occupies a central place in the project. It is suitable for a wide range of uses. A large-span structure system was used for the roof, and removable panel shutters were designed to provide protection from sunlight. The interior features modular bookshelves made of wooden planks that can also be used as seating.
Project Sustainability Approach:
The classrooms were designed with consideration for possible division into two smaller rooms using a fabric partition. The project provides for the installation of panel ventilation grilles and revolving panel windows. The roof structure consists of corrugated metal sheets, a bamboo ceiling, and a wooden frame construction. The administration area is similar in design to the classrooms. The orchard consists of three isolated small areas covered with a canopу: one for growing vegetables and others for raising chickens and goats. There is also an extension - an inventory room located on the side.
The classrooms were designed with consideration for possible division into two smaller rooms using a fabric partition. The project provides for the installation of panel ventilation grilles and revolving panel windows. The roof structure consists of corrugated metal sheets, a bamboo ceiling, and a wooden frame construction. The administration area is similar in design to the classrooms. The orchard consists of three isolated small areas covered with a canopу: one for growing vegetables and others for raising chickens and goats. There is also an extension - an inventory room located on the side.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
The project is designed to improve the quality of the educational environment to enable local children to receive a good education in comfortable conditions.
The project is designed to improve the quality of the educational environment to enable local children to receive a good education in comfortable conditions.
