lokaal

A symbol of excellence in West Africa, Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar (UCAD) is a benchmark beyond the continent's borders. The 16 new buildings, designed to accommodate some 10,000 students, are spread over two sites (10 on the UCAD campus, 6 at Cité Claudel). The quality of the interior spaces and thermal comfort have guided the design, with a careful choice of materials, natural ventilation, a balance between sun protection and sufficient natural light, wind channelling, etc. The morphology of the buildings reflects this approach. The morphology of the buildings reflects this bioclimatic approach and respects the limited dimensions of current urbanization.

Three patterns were created for the moucharabieh walls, which serve several functions: preserving the privacy of the rooms by protecting the numerous windows needed for natural ventilation; providing passive protection from the sun's rays; concealing the students' laundry, which dries here in the double skin using a system designed for the purpose; and enlivening the long facades by providing a dancing vibration that visually overrides the other serial architectural elements.

Hardel Le Bihan, Alun Be, UNIVERSITY OF DAKAR CHEIKH ANTA DIOP HOUSING CAMPUS

Two pavilions, structures whose size and perforations evoke the forms of stubble burners or small tool sheds. Roughed out preliminary spaces. Open-air rooms squarely-aligned to the existing traces of the irrigation channels that form their base and water the northern fields of Valencia.
This project is the result of an initiative to highlight the cultural and agricultural value of l’Horta Nord in Valencia, engaging in an intimate dialogue with the site's historical traces and using ceramics as a unifying element.