_

VVVings High School

Benga, Malawi

Find Out More

located in Benga, Malawi
competition proposal from 2019

Through our VVVings design we aim to create a welcoming and stimulating learning environment for Malawian teens, embodied into an easy-to-build, low-tech structure. The entire project is symbolically sheltered under a single roof that brings together students and teachers in one community. The roof unfolds like wings opening to lift students towards their aspirations.
In addition to its strong, positive symbolism, our design also meets practical criteria: optimizes functionality and resource usage by connecting all spaces under one roof, divides the exterior space into distinct yards complementing various program functions, preserves and integrates the existing trees, allows the building to grow in phases while maintaining functionality and aesthetics and takes advantage of site topography to create extra height for classrooms and to accommodate the dry latrines under the gathering decks.
In functional terms, the wings comprise the project’s main functions - school, dormitory, housing - and merge in gathering spaces that include a multi-purpose space, refectory, and teachers 'outdoor area. Two circulation types connect the building functions: a cross-circulation that connects the main areas and a local circulation that serves the various spaces, with both converging in the gathering points. All functions are accessible from the outside.
The building functions and road-facing yards set the stage for the interaction between the school and the outer world. Thanks to its open-air theatre, the entrance and festivities yard can host outdoor events for students, families, and guests. On one side of the yard, the multi-purpose room complements the yard’s potential for events and exhibitions. On the other side, the refectory serves students on a regular basis, while a covered area operates as the teachers’ social dining and cooking space.
While floors match the terrain topography, the roofs above remain level. The structure is made of post-and-beam steel framing and mud-concrete brick walls that act as bracing, thermal mass, and space partitions. The steel frame is laid-out on a 3x3m grid for the teachers’ houses and 4.5x4.5m for all other functions. Both inside and outside floors are finished in clay-fired bricks. In addition to swinging doors, windows, and shutters, classrooms are equipped with garage doors providing unrestricted ventilation and views.
The VVVings design brings divers programmatic functions under one fluid architectural form that serves as a powerful plan to the promoter's goal - to enhance students’ interest in education and contribute to their future achievements.