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the nursery school
the nursery school
Senegal
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Other Projects by olay studio
the nursery school
Senegal
Firm
Type
STATUS
Concept
YEAR
2025
SIZE
0 sqft - 1000 sqft
BUDGET
$0 - 10K
Africa is a land of symbols and myths, deeply embedded even in its architecture. Traditional Senegalese architecture is profoundly rooted in culture, climate, local materials, and social structures. In this architectural language, symbols and signs are not merely decorative elements but carry deep spiritual, cultural, and social meanings. Architecture in Senegal is the architecture of earth, adobe, and symbolism—structures that rise from the soil, embracing the earth as a metaphor for Mother Earth herself.Symbols act as a visual connection to the continent’s rich cultural heritage and contribute to creating unique, context-responsive architectural spaces. Patterns serve as a visual language through which stories, traditions, and beliefs are conveyed. These motifs may indicate social status, the transfer of spiritual powers, or convey cultural messages and meanings.The patterns used in African vernacular architecture are often intricate and symmetrical, evoking a sense of continuity and harmony. They are inspired by natural elements such as plants, animals, and geometric shapes, symbolizing growth and prosperity. The masterful use of geometry in African painting and decoration is a testament to the precision and intentionality of the artisans. Triangles, circles, squares, and other shapes are not randomly placed,they follow a deliberate design rooted in cultural traditions and symbolic importance.Every African tribe carries within its identity a wealth of myths, stories, legends, and oral histories.The proposed concept is inspired by the traditional rural houses of Senegal, as well as the geometry and symbolism of Adinkra motifs. The architectural massing is set on a rectangular plot, divided into two parts, creating a shaded and private courtyard for the building. The northern volume consists of four identical modular units, cube-shaped with sloped roofs (designed to minimize sun exposure and efficiently direct rainwater). The square, a meaningful symbol in Adinkra, also plays a central role in the design.These four modules house the classrooms. Each classroom appears as a separate unit on the façade but internally, every two classrooms are divided by a movable partition. This allows spatial flexibility: the partition can be removed to create a larger open area for group activities or sports. If needed, the partition can be replaced with a fixed wall to form two independent classrooms.The southern volume is split into two parts: the eastern module is identical to the northern classroom units (serving as Classroom 5), while the western module includes spaces such as an office, waiting and meeting room for parents, a clinic, and a children’s dining hall. At the end of this volume, a ramp and staircase lead to a shaded play area below, with a water-and-mud play zone, other play equipment, and an underground rainwater storage tank.The volumes feature sloped roofs (for rainwater drainage, thermal insulation, and inspired by Senegalese roofs made of straw or palm leaves), easily repairable by local hands, resistant to strong winds, and blending naturally into the environment in color and texture. Ventilation holes in the flat roof surfaces enhance air circulation. Alongside these holes, elongated windows on the north and south sides with wooden shutters further boost natural ventilation and cooling.The service areas open toward the courtyard and are equipped with full-length shutters. This design allows for spatial expansion into the courtyard during peak times and enhances natural airflow.Due to the modular and separate nature of the spaces, different layout arrangements are possible across diverse sites. This design enables flexibility in implementation, phasing the construction, and allows for the addition or removal of spaces depending on needs.The façades of the three volumes feature engraved or traditionally painted motifs inspired by Adinkra symbols. These geometric patterns—including triangles, spirals, and squares—carry specific meanings such as creativity, collaboration, teamwork, experience, wisdom, knowledge, awareness, and leadership. All are aligned with the educational function of the project and represent essential principles for raising children and teaching them life skills. The square-shaped layout and volumes are also derived from these symbolic forms.The color palette includes earthy tones—red, yellow, black—each holding symbolic meaning: red for life, black for ancestors, yellow for the sun and energy.
Climate-Responsive Strategies
• Sloped roofs covered with native Senegalese vegetation
• Natural ventilation via aligned openings with wooden shutters and roof vents
• Rainwater collection system with underground storage and reuse
• Use of sustainable local materials (mud blocks, bamboo, wood, straw/palm leaves, earth-plastered façades)
• Thick walls for thermal mass (30cm external, 15cm internal)
• Compact cubic volumes to reduce sun-exposed surfaces
• Fabric shading in open spaces
• Central courtyard
• High ceilings for better ventilation
Structure
To ensure speed and ease of construction, thermal performance, cost-efficiency, local labor usage, and material accessibility, the following structural choices were made:
• Primary structure and roof: Bamboo
• Foundation: Recycled tires
• Walls: Mud blocks (30 cm for exterior, 15 cm for interior for better thermal insulation)
• Roof covering: Straw, palm leaves, and other local plants
• Flooring: Local tiles
• Doors, windows, and shutters: Wood
• Fabric shading roofs
• Furniture: Made of concrete blocks
• Playground equipment: Wood, rope, and recycled tires
Product Spec Sheet
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