2/24/2016

patriciaerimescudesigns+buildschildrenslibrarywithlocaltanzaniancommunity

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feb22,2016

designboom 2016
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patricia erimescu designs + builds childrens library with local tanzanian community
(above)the library gives pupils access to books and reading in a region in which most have no
books at home
all images patricia erimescu

the njoro childrenslibrary is located in mailisita, on the lower slopes of mount kilimanjaro.
the area is situated in isolation and the njoroprimary school and new library must function
efficiently without the use of grid energy. the project was started by patricia erimescu in
collaboration with the local NGO excel education foundation to complete educational facilities
in tanzania integrating the community by being a participative project built by locals and
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volunteers.

view of the library from the garden

serving 408 kids of njoroprimary school and also the pupils from three schools in the
surrounding area, the library is important in terms of giving the pupils access to books and
reading in a region in which most have no books at home. the architecture borrowed
extensively from local tanzanian culture and involved its users in the process to ensure it met
their specific needs. materials and construction methods familiar to local builders help the
structures fit into their context and respond to the prevailing climate.

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childrens library with the mount kilimanjaroion the background

the plan of the library with a hidden entrance references the traditional masai house, an ethnic
group in the area. the entrance is situated on the side of the playground, but in the direction of
the main pathway, making space for the ramp. different kinds of blocks, such as earth
compressed ones made by volunteers, recycled concrete blocksand burned clay bricks were
used to build the library. the earth block pressing machine is mobile, so the blocks could be
made on the construction site and joined by mortar. about 5-7% cement was added to the
blocks to make them waterproof. the foundation is made of stones and poured concrete. the
walls are then coated in a locally made earth plaster that seals the envelope and further
insulates the structure. the mixture of earth finishes helps the building engage with its
surroundings.

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the brick wall, the vents, and the shady trees contribute to a comfortable inside climate

as the temperature easily reaches high levels, a comfortable inside climate is essential. the brick
wall, the vents, and the shady trees contribute to a comfortable inside climate. the location was
carefully chosen together with the locals. large shady trees whose roots do not strain
foundation are planted along E and W walls to provide shade. the roof is constructed in such a
way as to provide cross ventilation and at the same time keep sun and rain out, for this a
wooden frame system and locally available corrugated metal roofs were used. the roof allows
the circulation of hot air, and cross ventilation to contribute to a comfortable inside climate.

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the opacity of the wall is related to the movement of the viewer

the goal of this project is not only to create a well functioning buildingbut to generate a place
that offers students and local people an opportunity to learn about construction work.the
building process itself plays an important role in the sustainable development of building
locally and traditional building techniques. the locals and craftsmen work closely together with
volunteers to involve them in the early stages of the building process. besides this,
theinvolvement of the whole community in the project is important, not only because building
together is part of the local tradition, also to create a communal responsibility for the
maintenance of the library.

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the building process itself plays an important role in the sustainable development of building
locally

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interior with the shelves made from recycled wood

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pupils helping with the construction

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detail of the brick wall

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shelves are made from recycled wood used in the construction and old barrels

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plan

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section sketch

project info:

project name: njoro childrens library

design: patricia erimescu
local coordinator: james kirima
local support: excel education foundation
volunteers: anatol struna, ovidiu chifor, calin bodnar, laura terzi, radu cotenescu, sarah
krausslach, razvan onu, ovidiu chifor, beatriz santiago, simon bowden, pete steele
location: mailisita, kilimanjaro region, tanzania
building status: in use
category: education
costs: 5 400 usd

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome

our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our
readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom

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