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Bamboo and Earthen Block Structure Enhancing Natural Ventilation in Educational Facility

Author:
Jason Foster Butz
Bamboo and Earthen Block Structure Enhancing Natural Ventilation in Educational Facility

Project in-detail

Utilizing bamboo and earthen blocks, the facility maximizes natural ventilation and integrates sustainability into its design, serving as a vital educational resource for the community in healthcare training.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to integrate rainwater harvesting systems within its roof structure.
02
Utilizes locally sourced bamboo and earthen blocks for enhanced sustainability.
03
Features large openings for cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
04
Classrooms are adaptable, allowing for diverse teaching methodologies.
05
Incorporates regional craftsmanship in architectural ornamentation, reflecting local culture.

The OTI Institute of Medical Science & Technology is an architectural project located in Kete Krachi, a rural area north of Accra, Ghana. This facility is designed to serve as an educational institution, specializing in medical training and healthcare resources for the West African region. The project aims to address local healthcare needs by providing a comprehensive educational environment that integrates modern teaching methods with community engagement.

The OTI Institute encompasses several essential components, including administration offices, classrooms, laboratories, student housing, a student clinic, and faculty accommodations. Each of these elements is carefully positioned within the site layout to promote accessibility and functionality. The main educational and administration building acts as a central hub, around which other facilities are organized, fostering a cohesive learning environment.

The architectural design reflects local cultural influences while maintaining a focus on sustainability. The building features a curvilinear form that allows for efficient natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The roof structure is not only an aesthetic element but also functions as a rainwater harvesting system, highlighting the project's commitment to environmental stewardship. The design incorporates locally sourced materials, including cement, bamboo, earthen blocks, metal sheets, glass, and wood, each selected for its sustainability and relevance to the local context.

Innovative Design Approaches

What distinguishes the OTI Institute from other educational facilities is its emphasis on integrating natural elements into the educational experience. The design includes outdoor learning spaces and green courtyards that support informal interaction among students, promoting collaboration and community building. Additionally, the programming of classrooms and laboratories emphasizes flexibility, allowing educators to adapt spaces to various teaching methodologies and learning styles.

Integrated sustainable practices are central to the project. The incorporation of photovoltaic panels ensures energy efficiency, while the use of large windows enhances natural light, minimizing the need for artificial lighting. The strategic placement of these windows promotes cross-ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality and comfort. This holistic approach to design not only enhances the learning environment but also aligns with global standards for sustainable architecture.

Engaging Community and Culture

The design of the OTI Institute also prioritizes cultural integration. Architectural ornamentation draws from Ghanaian traditions, embedding local identity into the facility's aesthetics. This connection to place is further emphasized by the selection of materials that reflect local craftsmanship and cultural significance.

As you explore the OTI Institute of Medical Science & Technology, consider delving into the architectural plans, sections, and designs available for review. Each element provides deeper insights into the project's intention and execution, revealing how thoughtful architecture can serve educational and community objectives in a sustainable manner.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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