Primary school in the Al Musahab Marshes - Basra (Iraq)

This small competition is about a 6-classes primary school slightly north of Basrah, in Iraq. The school is supposed to be built on a 11,600 m² plot in the Al Musahab Marshes of Euphrat river, serving the surrounding villages with basic education facilities and kindergarten. Adaptation to the location and minimizing the impact on the sensitive environment is key. The design itself shall help rise pupils‘ awareness of respecting their unique surroundings in terms of sustainibility, energy and water saving.

The design proposes a modular, vaulted structure on a raised platform. The vaults cover both rooms and outdoor spaces in order to protect from the harsh sun during school hours.

Whilst the supporting structure is in concrete, the vaults are made of brics, walls are traditionally reed made to guarantee air circulation.