In response to Senegal’s semi-arid climate and rural context, Djilakh Secondary School is conceived not as a closed structure, but as an open spatial system that integrates learning, production, and social interaction. Its circular plan establishes a gentle relationship between the building and the landscape, while also supporting natural ventilation and spatial continuity.
The site is divided into two main zones while preserving the existing trees: the northern zone contains the built program, while the southern zone includes orchards and planting areas. In this way, the design connects education with hands-on environmental learning.
At the heart of the project, the central courtyard acts as the social and climatic focal point for classrooms and shared spaces. Open, semi-open, and enclosed areas are arranged around this courtyard to ensure shading, natural airflow, and continuity of daily use.
The plan is based on the repetition of modular classroom units measuring 7 x 9 meters. The corner areas created by the curved geometry are utilized as small courtyards and semi-open functional spaces. The construction system consists of load-bearing earth brick walls and a modular bamboo roof. Through passive design principles, thermal comfort is achieved without the need for mechanical systems. The project offers an expandable and contextually adaptable educational model centered on local materials and labor.
