2. Contents
Introduction
Collaborators
Ghana
03
04
Cultural Summary & Economy
Government Initiative
Curriculum & Teaching in Ghana
Curriculum
Local Architecture
An Overview
Locally Resourced Building Materials
Modern Building Materials
Local Labours
Climate
Climate Profile in Ghana
Climatic Data & Analysis
Requirements, Dimensions & Usage Stats
Technology
Design Strategies
Precedents
Conclusion
05
07
15
Passive Cooling Strategies & Hybrid Approach Investigation
14
Container
12
13
09
10
11
11
16
17
19
3. 3
Introduction
The initial project is aimed at late primary and early secondary school children (10-16
years of age). The current required deliverable is a prototypical scheme that will be
constructed in the grounds of Ghana’s House of Parliament as a showcase for decision
makers on innovative, rapid deployment, ICT training facilities for Ghana’s schools.
This working report is a documentation of the team’s research, strategies and design
developments for the project. The compiled information, investigations and research
highlight issues to be addressed via architecture. Then, the following design strategies
and responses could be determined as solutions to such issues. Generally, the report
is expected to provide the fundamental references and backgrounds, likewise as the
project guidelines that enable the team to progress the developing scheme effectively
and efficiently.
The team’s first phase of research based in the context of Ghana initiates the structure
of this report. First, the country’s governmental initiative in education is documented,
followed by its education curriculum outlining current teaching methods, class hours
and issues. Secondly, an analysis of local resources and environment is undertaken
for the developmnent of passive design strategies. The available technologies by the
company Aleutia for the ICT classrooms are listed in this report as well. Precedents
are compiled for design references. Thus, the report structure should provide further
guidance in the design phase.
Introduction
The ICT Classroom Project began as a collaboration between ESALA – a pro bono
architecture design team at the University of Edinburgh, Learning Planet – an educational
NGO providing design and infrastructure assistance to remote or disadvantaged
communities, and Aleutia – an innovative low-power computing manufacturer
specializing in the developing world. The Design Team’s task is to help plan and design
a successful, self-powered, instant ICT classroom prototype, based on 40-foot or 20foot shipping containers. The classroom must function as an affordable, rapid to deploy,
flexible & inspiring learning environment for ICT education and other developmental
needs. It’s aimed at both urban and rural areas where access to such education and
infrastructure is poor or non-existent.
4. 4
Collaborators: Partners in Ghana
and deployment of reliable, low energy, low cost, high performance, self-powered IT,
Aleutia hope to to provide technological accessibility to under-privileged children in
urban and rural areas, right across the continent.
Learning Planet
ZoomLion are a subsidiary company of the Jospong Group in Ghana and will play a part
in helping the manufacture of the ICT prototype to be displayed to members of the
government. ZoomLion are predominantly a waste management company, however
through close work with the government expanding Ghana’s hygiene infrastructure
they have started to expand into other areas that help community development in
Ghana and parts of western Africa. With a special interest in eco-friendly design, their
projects have included organizing a Costal ‘Eco-brigade’ as well as a National Forest
Plantation Development project to control deforestation. One of their strong beliefs is
that an important part of developing a strong infrastructure is creating local jobs that
contribute to community development.
Aleutia
Learning planet helps remote or disadvantaged communities create safe, stimulating,
sustainable environments where both children and adults can learn and develop new
skills. Working in collaboration they design, co-finance and construct schools, equip
them with clean energy and utilities, provide on-going teacher-training with local
partners, and provide engineering and other technical expertise. Learning Planet
successfuly brought high-speed internet and the first computers to 5000 people in rural
Nepal in 2012/ 2013 and will bring a further 14 remote schools online by December.
In 2011, Learning Planet began partnering with Aleutia - a company that shared their
goals and vision - to help bring the right hardware into some challenging environments.
The success of this collaboration catalysed the initiation of the ICT Classroom Project.
Aleutia specialises in manufacturing low power computers for use in extreme climates
and conditions, with a unique emphasis on design for use in the developing world. They
will act as hardware provider for the ICT classroom, which will house a new iteration of
their self-contained ‘Solar Classroom in a box’. By innovating the development
Collaborators | Partners in Ghana
ZoomLion
5. 5
Cultural Summary and Economy
According to the IMF (International Monetary Fund) the country is thought to have a
stable economy, as the prices of gold and cocoa are relatively high. In addition, Ghana
announced the discovery of oil in 2007, which is presenting new challenges to the
government despite its obvious economic advantages.
Health
Social Anthropology
Ghana is a sub-Saharan former British colony which gained independence in the
late 1950’s. With an estimated 25 million citizens the country has a wide variety of
backgrounds spread evenly over both rural (48%) and urban areas (52%).
While Ghana still has major health issues, since independence the government has been
able to improve nutrition, maternal health and childcare. Through providing sanitation,
medication and education, the government has been able to control endemic diseases
such as malaria and pneumonia which previously had high death tolls. However the
majority of communities are still without adequate sanitation or water-supply facilities
and as a result are unable to improve upon their public health.
The majority of the country’s population are Christian (63%) although the country also
has a small percentage of Muslim (16%) and indigenous (21%) religions. In total, Ghana
has over 50 ethnic groups, all of which maintain important traditions and individual
identities which all contribute to Ghana’s national culture. Many areas of Ghana are
ethnically conscious, in particular northern Ghana where tensions have been known to
rise with violent outcomes. In the past, the government has been particularly careful
to downplay ethnic differences; this is something that has been aided by the adoption
of English as their common language. The Ghanaian government has now taken steps
to address these cultural differences in an effort to unify the many ethnic groups in
Ghana to strengthen their national identity and enable an environment for national
development.
Economic
In general Ghana has three major geographic regions; the coast, the forest and the
northern savanna although the boundaries of these regions are difficult to define.
The majority of the country’s farming and extraction of natural resources comes form
Upper East
Upper West
Northern
Brong-Ahafo
Volta
Eastern
Ashanti
Western
Central
Greater Accra
Literacy in Ghana
Upper Upper East
West
Northern
Brong-Ahafo
Ashanti
Western
Volta
Eastern
Central
Greater
Accra
Literate
Non-literate
Left: Zoning in map shows illiteracy status for population 11 years and older in Ghana by region and district
with the Northern region being most illterate while Greater Accra being the least illiterate. Right: Literacy
status for population 11 years and older by region and district 2010. Source: www.statsghana.gov.gh
Ghana | Summary & Governmental Initiative
the forest region in Ghana. The savanna region is regarded as the least economically
developed area, however new irrigation such as manmade Lake Volta has opened the
land up to use for livestock and farming of cereal crops.
6. 6
National Commission on Culture
The government in Ghana has set up the National Commission on Culture and
hopes to preserve and protect Ghanaian heritage and culture. They hope to ensure
that traditional customs and values are adapted and developed in their growing and
modernizing society. Through the development of cultural institutions and programs
they seek to promote traditional values such as dignity, honesty, peace and attitudes
towards nature. In responding to modern developments while maintaining tradition
they hope to generate wealth and alleviate poverty.
The Ghana Open Government Partnership Initiative
The Ghanaian government recognizes that corruption is one of the countries biggest
problems and hopes to address the issue with the utilization of new technologies to
“empower people and promote transparency in government”. The initiative aims to
increase access to new technology, providing services such as Internet access and mobile
technology, providing an opportunity for information sharing, public participation,
and collaboration. In doing this Ghanaian people can be made aware of the roles
their government plays and will be better equipped to make informed decisions. This
initiative develops secure online spaces and makes technology affordable while also
providing support for the citizens of Ghana to use it. While promoting technology, the
government also “understand that technology is a complement, not a substitute, for
clear, useable, and useful information”, demonstrating recognition for a greater need
for educational material.
Conclusion
Through researching the local governments and their current initiatives, it becomes
clear that our learning container can be used to benefit the community as a whole by
making wider education available to people of all ages in the communities, particularly
in rural areas. The utilization of media such as film has proven effective for governmental
initiatives in the past and also demonstrates a desire for new media and entertainment
in rural communities.
The container could not only be used to inform but also could provide a method of
allowing communication between the people and its government, enabling them to
become more responsive to the changing needs of their people.
The idea of “scaling up” also becomes a recurrent theme with governmental initiatives.
Emphasis has been placed upon the younger generations and providing them with a
means of progression and modernization with a view to benefit the future economy
and establish a developed technological, educational and economic infrastructure.
Ghana | Summary & Governmental Initiative
Government Initiatives
7. 7
Curriculum & Teaching
Ghana
Our country of focus, Ghana, has already produced its own ‘ICT in Education Policy’,
which was implemented in 2007 after a recognition of the subjects ability to support
the governments aim to transform the country into an information rich and knowledge
based economy and society. The policy states a requirement for ICT to be used to teach
and learn at all levels of the education system, leading to its inclusion in the basic school
curriculum where ICT is now examinable.
Schools that have incorporated ICT into their curriculum have faced and are facing a
number of challenges (not without success) along the way and this sections aim is to
highlight those that will have significant influence on the design of an ICT classroom.
A New Teaching Environment
The introduction of ICT into the school curriculum follows a governmental desire to
provide its people with an education that goes beyond the traditional practice of
memory-based learning with one that encourages creative and critical thinking, skills
that are believed to be crucial in meeting the challenges of the 21st century world.
In order to achieve this ICT classes must go beyond only teaching students how to use
the equipment and must focus on providing their students with the ability to use the
technology to generate new learning content. Thus, teachers need a space to work
in that goes beyond the traditional classroom setup and that allows them to function
in a new information environment that is constantly changing and where there are
no one time activities. They need open, flexible, authentic and autonomous learning
environments to teach in.
Classroom Congestion
One challenge faced by schools in Africa that incorporate ICT into their curriculum is
overcrowding and congestion, which can result in overheating and teaching difficulties.
This is caused by large class sizes (80 students to 1 teacher is not uncommon) and the
high ratio of students per computer. In most cases it is not feasible to provide every
student with an electronic device and it is important that the design of an ICT classroom
accommodates this. Teachers therefore require a space that is flexible enough to
accommodate large numbers of students, that allows for splitting them into groups and
that allows for ease of movement between working areas.
Curriculum | Teaching Methods, Class Hours & Previous Problems
The use of computer technology for teaching and learning and the benefits that come
with it has been of hot topic in Africa in recent years. This has resulted in a nationwide
effort to incorporate the subject of Information Communication and Technology into
the school curriculum, with many countries reforming, or planning to reform, their
national education policies accommodate this.
8. Curriculum & Teaching
The use of computer technology has allowed the emergence of new methods of
teaching, one example being Open Educational Resources (OER). OER’s are learning
and teaching materials (including lesson plans) that are free to download and edit and
that allow ever-present access to open content and open courses, providing a cheap
solution that is easier to distribute than the traditional textbook. The use of e-learning is
justified by its ability to provide education anywhere a learner has an electronic device
such as a tablet or a mobile phone. Interestingly, they allow their users to create their
own courses using text, graphics, quizzes, audio and video.
One challenge faced by African governments is the creation of tight relationships
between communities and educational institutions. It is feasible to suggest that allowing
community wide access to ICT classrooms and their digital content (e.g. OERs) outside
school hours could help encourage a sense of ownership and local maintenance of the
classroom. It would also satisfy a common complaint shared by students, which is that
they are not offered enough time to use the technology due to short class times and the
closing of ICT classrooms in the evenings and weekends.
The Ghana Education Service is not prepared to pay overtime allowance to ICT
instructors, however if it is possible to have a classroom with a 24 hour wireless server,
students and community members could take their own devices to it and download
learning content wirelessly, without the classroom having to be open at all.
Conclusion
A new, self contained ICT classroom, which accommodates active learning environments
that communities can care for independently, could not come at a better time. By
demonstrating a new way to rapidly and affordably deploy and maintain effective
flexible IT learning spaces, The ICT Classroom Project is in line with Ghana’s key stated
aims for the next 10 years. If the solution can successfully inspire local commercial,
governmental and non governmental bodies in Ghana to invest and continue to innovate,
the ICT Classroom Project could be a key component of a successful IT training policy
for the whole nation.
Curriculum | Teaching Methods, Class Hours & Previous Problems
E-Learning and the Community
8
9. 9
Local Architecture | An Overview
Local Architecture: An Overview
Examples of vernacular architecture in Ghana.
Independence Square in Accra, Ghana.
Architecture reflects the people. Hence architecture, especially vernacular architecture
in Ghana, is based on a dynamic conception.
“Every individual had his definite place with the community. Each shared responsibility
for all other...” – Udo Kultermann; New Architecture in Africa.
Architecture in Ghana today is in variance – on one hand there is the vernacular
architecture that is still occupied, while other buildings embrace modern building
construction methods. The latter is obvious in the urban regions of Ghana, the capital
city of Accra is no less different than other modern cities across the globe.
10. Contrary to buildings in modern towns, the construction of buildings in rural Ghana are
very much influenced by the availability of local materials that varies between different
areas of the country. Below is a list and summary of these materials categorised through
the building components:
Diagram shows wattle
and daub construction.
• Foundations : i. Stone: commonly constructed with in South Ghana.
ii. Mud: rammed raft foundation, laterite soil with aggregate of
gravel or sand are commonly used.
iii. Clay.
• Floor :
• Walls :
• Roof :
i. Mud: Often, the foundation of the building is the floor slab
itself, though another layer of mud or sand screed are often
used as finishes. Sometimes, mud bricks are used.
ii. Clay.
A constructed hut finished with palm fronds
and roofing from palm leaves.
Diagram briefly showing a typical construction
with timber.
i. Mud: through the Atakpame construction, sun-dried mud
blocks, and used in the ‘wattle and daub’ construction.
Sometimes, old mud walls are recycled, as in the case in
Kasuliyili of the Dagomba Village.
ii. Timber/Bamboo : used in timber wall frame/structure ( as in
the ‘wattle and daub’ construction.) Split bamboo fronds for a
ventilated wall.
iii. Palm and coconut trees. Split palm fronds for screen walls.
iv. Creepers: to tie horizontal and vertical timber framework
together as a joint.
v. Plaster, a mixture of cow dung, locust bean pod juices
and mud. As the surface dries, it hardens and becomes
impervious to water, lending to the smoothness and
durability of the wall.
i. Mud, used in the construction of flat roofs.
ii. Timber/bamboo, to construct roof frame/structures for both
gabled and flat roofs.
iii. Palm leaves for thatched roofs provide a bigger potential for
rainwater harvesting as water runs smoothly off the leaves.
Photo of a building constructed with the
‘wattle and daub’ method. Note the finishing
effects of an engraved wall.
A building in Ghana constructed with bamboo as a
facade screen. Bamboo can be found in abundance
in the country and it is an excellent source for
construction material.
Local Architecture | Locally Available Materials & Local Labour
10
Local Architecture: Locally Resourced Building Materials
11. Local Architecture: Local Labour
About 70% of Ghana’s population live in the south, while the remaining 30% live in
the more rural north. 50% of the population live in the country’s urban area that are
concentrated in the south. As Ghana embraces modernity like any other developing
country, conventional building materials for construction are becoming widely available.
For example, concrete blocks, insulated concrete formwork (ICF), aluminium window
casement, floor tiles and many others.
The construction of Ghana’s vernacular architecture involves both men and women
in the labour force. The men will mainly be constructing the structural components of
the building – the rammed raft foundation (or any specific regional substructure), the
superstructure of walls and laying of roofs. Meanwhile, the women tend to the building
elements and finishes – weaving for walls or thatched roofs, applying the finished
surface, etc. Thus, the construction and maintenance of a locally resourced building is
self-sustaining and efficient for the community initiative.
In modern day Ghana, local skills and resources are required by the industry of such
a developing nation. Carpentry in particular is Ghanaians dominant craftsmenship.
This is no surprise as timber and bamboo are abundant in this country because of its
position in the tropical monsoon region. Other prominent local craftsmenship consists
of blacksmithing and pottery. Thus, utilising these available resources is highly ideal for
the ICT classroom project.
Carpentry, Ghanaians
craftsmenship.
A middle class building in Ghana constructed with the conventional (modern) building materials.
dominant
Local Resources | Locally Available Materials & Local Labour
Local Architecture: Modern Building Materials
11
12. 12
Climate: Climate Profile in Ghana
Wa
Average temperature: 28.7ºC
Total Precipitation: 992 mm
Tamale
Average temperature: 27.9ºC
Total Precipitation: 1082 mm
Accra
Average temperature: 26.3ºC
Total Precipitation: 753 mm
Takoradi
(ITCZ – SW)
Average temperature: 30.5ºC
Total Precipitation: 1379 mm
Ecological Zones of Ghana.
Located in West Africa and along the Guinea Coast between latitudes of 4 an 12º N, the
climate in Ghana is tropical – warm and comparatively dry along the south-east coast,
hot and humid in south-west while it is hot and dry in the north.
Strongly influenced by the West African Monsoon, the rainfall seasons of Ghana are
controlled by the movement of the tropical rain belt a.k.a. the Inter-Tropical Conversion
Zone (ITCZ), oscillating between the northern and southern tropics annually. Moist air
from the Atlantic is predominantly blown from the south-west, but hot and dusty air
Elevation Profile of Ghana.
from the Sahara desert (a.k.a. Harmattan) is blown from the north-east of the ITCZ. Thus,
this pattern of two opposing wind directions is known as the West Arica Monsoon.
In northern Ghana, a single wet season occurs between May and November while the
period between December and March observes a dry season when the ‘Harmattan’
wind blows north-easterly. Meanwhile, the southern regions of Ghana have two wet
seasons – one from March to July, and another from September to November.
Climate | Climate Profile in Ghana
(Harmattan)
13. 13
Climate: Climate Data & Analysis
Climate | Climatic Data & Analysis
Assesment of Passive Methods
Outside of Comfort Zone (red)
Sun Shading of Windows (2)
Natural Ventalation (7)
Thermal Massing (3,4)
Climate and Comfort Analysis for Accra, Ghana in School Hours.
In general, climate is hot and humid. Cooling and dehumidification are definitely required
throughout the whole year. Adaptive thermal comfort due to natural ventilation will
provide a habitable environment. However, if looking into standard thermal comfort with
passive design methods, more consideration is demanded for providing dehumidified
and cool air into the building. Moreover, solar radiation is abundant and cloud cover
reaches 65% annually. Glare issues should be considered, especially for rooms with computers.
Ground Temperature varies from 25 to 27 in a 4 m depth of ground. Research on earth
tubes could be conducted since it might be an effective way of providing ventilation,
passive cooling and dehumidification. Wind speed is limited - it varies from 2 m/s to 5
m/s throughout the whole year. Overall, even with the application of all passive cooling
methods, it may be necessary to apply hybrid mechanical systems.
14. 14
Technology
The dimensions of each solar panel is 1632 x 986 mm with a weight of about 19kg. 6
solar panels will be supplied.
Batteries
The batteries need to be placed in a well ventilated cool area preferably away from
the users as they give off some noxious gases. 5 batteries each weighing 50kg and
~550x200x200mm. Space to adapt must be accommodated for as batteries may change.
22 Inch Aleutia All in One Fanless PC
Router
The wireless router will allow other electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) in the
area to connect both to the internet and to an offline database of information stored in
the container. This would mean that even in areas of poor connection a wide variety of
information including Wikipedia, videos, and educational material could be available to
download and be used by everyone.
Storage space required for the bank of batteries. ~550x200x200mm
Charge Controller
This small device regulates the energy from the solar panels and batteries. Ideally it
should be wall mounted somewhere safe near the batteries and where the cables
for the solar panels enter the box. All the components of the charge contoller can be
mounted in about 1000x500mm of wallspace.
Computers
The container must be designed to fit 10 x Aleutia 22” All in one PC’s. This means the
desk space required for each computer has a minimum width of 540mm and a minimum
depth of desk space of about 750mm. The computers are fanless and therefore can be
placed anywhere, however they will still emit heat when running and will be stationary.
The less enclosed the device is the farther it can transmit a signal so looking into an
option of an antenna or tower may be feasible.
Configuration
The classroom can be configured in several different ways, the approach which allows
the greatest amount of information sharing is one in which even when the classroom
is closed the router and a server remain operational to allow surrounding buildings to
connect to the resources. We are still awaiting confirmation on if this would be possible.
Another issue to consider is external charging stations which can be accessed even
when the building is shut off. This would facilitate the use of the container however
it would also use a large amount of the containers stored energy and there for would
need to be monitored to avoid overuse and abuse of the service.
Technology | Requirements, Dimensions & Usage Stats
Solar Panels
15. 15
Container
Transportation
As it was the previous primary function of the container, the transportation
abilities of the container are excellent. The ample space means that all the
necessary technical equipment, as well as all additional building materials can
be delivered on site within the single container. It will be important to account
for the length limitations in the design so that all elements of the classroom can
be disassembled and fit within the transportation space
Structure
Structurally the container can be viewed as being composed of many smaller
components. Simplified there are two main elements - the frame and the
panelling. The frame of the container is a simple 12 edged cuboid with the
inclusion of more beams across the ground plane to help bare the load inside the
container. The panelling is composed of corrugated steal of varying thickness
which is placed in between the frame. The composition of the two elements
makes a strong ridged structure in which the external frame carries the load
while the panelling provides the lateral and horizontal bracing.
This reliance on both components means whenever a section of panelling is
removed it must be replaced with further bracing as the individual frame is
relatively weak and will buckle under load if bracing is not provided. It is helpful
to view the structural composition of the container like an I-Beam; the flanges
take the load but without the web would bend and snap and without the flanges
the web would struggle to take the load.
Loading Points on a Standard Container
The roofing panels are capable of bearing around 250kg so it is important to
make sure that the roof load is transferred down the corner columns. Also due
to the bracing nature of the panels it is not advisable that any cuts are made in
the panelling within half a meter of the corners.
In the selection of the containers it is important to be wary of any extensive
rusting of the steel under the paint especially around the frame as this is a
serious structural issue and will likely be why the container was retired from
use.
Shipping Container Assembly
Shipping Container | Specifications & Limitations
Specifications
The use of a building container as the base and the primary shipping method
for the ICT classroom has both advantages and disadvantages all of which must
be addressed in the design process. The containers selected for this project
are a standard Normal Cap 40 ft container (LxWxH 12.1mx2.4mx2.6m) and
a 20ft container (LxWxH 6mx2.4mx2.6m) which will be recycled ex-shipping
containers.
16. 16
Design Strategies
The structure will operate off-grid and will investigate strategies of an Autonomous
House, with the incorporation of photovoltaic panels on the roof. Solar energy reserves
will satisfy the needs for lighting and the use of electronic equipment (laptops, tablets)
and no energy will be spent for artificial cooling.
The container will have the possibility of travelling to different places in the form of a box
and then reconfigured on site using the expertise of the local workmanship. However,
when placed at its based location it will become permanent and will initiate a further
designing and reconfiguration of its adjacent territory.
Furthermore, the design will explore further possibilities of the structure been used
throughout the day and present a multi-use function by hosting events or community
meetings organized in accordance with the needs and aspirations of the residents. With
this in mind, the design will offer the possibility of enlarging the footprint of the building
by using temporal or removable devices, like a tent-fabric.
The final response will be a hybrid structure, combining local materials with the steel
frame structure of the container, for the design of a bioclimatic responsive building.
The aim of the design is to test concept design using IES simulation technology and
investigate the different techniques and methods for achieving thermal comfort within
the ICT classroom, located in a tropical climate and without the use of air-condition.
Above: Cross ventilation with manually adjustable louvres
Above: Summer Cooling System
Design Strategies | Passive Cooling Strategies & Hybrid Approach Investigation
The design of the ICT classrooms will use the modular steel shape of a shipping
container, which will then be clad and reconfigured in order to incorporate passive
design strategies of natural ventilation and thermal mass. We feel that the container
is an excellent method of reusing an existing structure as well as offering a quick and
inexpensive solution to a new building.
17. 17
Precedents
Tsai Design Studios - Vissershok Container Classroom
The Vissershok Primary School located at Durbanville valley (on the outskirts in Cape
Town) is a rural school dedicated to children of farm workers and underprivileged
communities living in Du Noon. The 12-meter recycled container is an independent
classroom for 25 students aged 5-6.
This case study is analysed for the design’s effectiveness in being minimal yet robust.
The internal classroom space is flexible in capacity – desks and chairs are taken out
when needed for schooling hours, and they are stored away to create a child-friendly
learning corner. Moreover, the connection between the internal space with the external
designed spaces is a good example to be taken for the project’s space planning.
Tsai Design Studios - Piketberg Sports Centre, South Africa
This ‘Sports-In-A-Box’ container scheme is briefly analysed for its recognised
sustainability in design, as well as its efficiency as a solution to provide for the demand
of a safe and cost effective sports centre. The simplicity of the structure is also noted.
Precedents
Sean Godsell Architects - Future Shack
The Future Shack is a mass produced
relocatable house for emergency and
relief housing. The study looks into the
structure of the design, particularly
the parasol roof that is initially packed
inside the container and the mobility of
the scheme as a whole.
18. 18
Precedents
Precedents
Architecture for Humanity - Oguaa Football for Hope Centre, Ghana
Similar to the Africa ICT Classroom brief, the Oguaa Football for Hope Centre is a
successful design in integrating shipping containers into its scheme. Located in Ghana,
the building promotes passive design scheme, cost efficiency and adaptivity of local
resources.
Two 12-meter long shipping containers were designed to be within an outer ‘shell’
comprising of scaffolding as the structure for the vertical bamboo screenings. The roof
seems to be of a light weight structure – scaffolding truss beams, bamboo-strip ceiling,
light-weight roofing material and ceiling fans for adequate ventilation. These are some
of the aspects analysed for the project and thus the Oguaa Football for Hope Centre is
the team’s main precedent study.
19. Conclusion
At the micro scale, the container classroom will help address the challenges of
implementing I.C.T. into the curriculum by providing teachers and students with a
comfortable, affordable space designed specifically to enhance their teaching and
learning experience. The classroom will bring together communities in both urban and
rural areas by making use of local materials and labour in the construction process.
Access to technology and learning resources will also be made available to members
of the community outwith school hours, encouraging further education and benefiting
everyone.
At the macro scale, the newly designed I.C.T. classroom is to be a symbol of moving
forward and expansion by providing the African people with educational tools and skills
that will benefit the nations infrastructure and economy as a whole.
ESALA Projects is a pro-bono design team, aiming to illustrate through this report
the contextual background to Ghana and the resources available for the design of
the prototype display classroom, which is planned to be built in the grounds of the
Ghanaian House of Parliament in November 2013. We hope that the success of this
design venture will enable location-specific versions of this prototype to be distributed
across Africa and other countries around the world. We hope that it can help progess
infrastructure and in doing so, provide more children and communities access to
affordable information and provide a solution for universal, innovative teaching spaces
for international developing nations.
ESALA Projects Team
Alia Aida, Timilehin Fagbemi, Jonathan Lynn, Shaun McLeod, Suzanne Priestley, Feng
Qui and Tanya Saroglou.
Team Co-ordinator: Ola Uduku
Conclusion
It is the intention of this research summary and the topics addressed within it to have
made clear the major factors that will influence the final outcome of the I.C.T. Classrooms
Project.
19
20. D esign P roposals S ummar y
ICT Classrooms Project
ESALA Projects
16-09-2013
21. Furniture Proposal
The design of the classroom’s furniture requires the
consideration of a few key areas:
-
-
-
-
Variation in terms of use of the space
The different users of the space
Potential class sizes & curricular requirements
Working environment created
Following the suggestion of mounting the computers on
“arms”, we began to explore the notion of an adaptable
space that could be facilitated by movable furniture. By
mounting the computers to central poles we can allow
them to move without risking their security or safety. This
concept is also advantageous as it allows the classroom to
be safely locked at night.
The proposed furniture design involves a basic circular
configuration, which would be orientated around the
central computer poles. Additional desks, which can be
stored neatly underneath the main tables could then be
freely movable. These additional desks could also be used
to adapt the layout of working space facilitating, individual,
small group, large group and presentation work. This will
also enable all of the furniture and computers to remain
safely inside the locked container when the classroom is
closed.
22. P roposal
40ft Container
The most prominent feature of our proposal is the folding wall on the front
elevation, which once opened out will form the floor plate of the classroom. This
will not only increase the floor area but will also provide a base for the rest of the
structure.
The supporting structure for the roof is metal scaffold, which offers a simple assembly
and is a cost effective option for structure. Where possible this structure will also
be able to clip onto the container, minimising the need for further foundations.
Following the revision of our initial concept we have also altered the roof form to
improve the maximum yield of the solar panels. We have also adapted the layout
to allow for a single security shutter, which will isolate the container safely, making
it a secure space at night.
Our aim throughout the project was to provide a space which can be cooled using
only passive strategies. As cross ventilation has been calculated to be the most
effective method of doing so, we have been careful to maximise airflow wherever
possible. To enable this, the design features a large window in the back wall with
operable louvers as well as an open front elevation.
The inclusion of a generous overhanging roof on all sides provides solar shading
for the windows and openings. This is another popular technique commonly used
1
26. Sun Study | Summer
9am
12 pm
4pm
NOTe:
During summer sun rays are verticle and the roof overhang, in combination with the application of bamboo on the elevation, is sufficient to successfully
shade the container.
27. Sun Study | Winter
9am
12 pm
4pm
Note:
During the winter the sun angle is low in the sky, entering the building and increasing the thermal properties of the front of the container.
28. Weather conditions analysis | Rain
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
SHUTTERS FIXED IN THE FRONT
ELEVATION CLOSING FOR
PLASTIC CURTAIN TO SEAL
INTERNAL ELEVATIONS
DURING RAIN
BAMBOO LOGS PROVIDE
MODERATE RAIN SHELTER
MANUALLY MOVABLE
BLINDS CAN CLOSE TO
PROVIDE PROTECTION
FROM WIND AND RAIN
CONTAINER LIFTED FROM
GROUND LEVEL
500
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
1m ROOF OVERHANG
PROVIDING PROTECTION
FOR WIND AND RAIN
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
1000
29. P roposal
2x20ft Containers
Using a similar concept to our initial proposal, this design features two 20ft
containers placed opposite each other, both with a folding front elevation. As
is with the proposal for the 40ft container, the additional scaffold structure
can also be assembled on site with the floor plate providing a base.
The use of spaced bamboo cladding and large open windows with operable
louvers allows cross ventilation to act as the primary cooling method. Rolling
shutters attached to each crate will provide the necessary security for each
container to be totally isolated when necessary.
The roof form is a closer design to the initial concept and includes an opening
at the top to allow for any stack ventilation that may occur. The pitch of the
roof also offers an optimum angle for the solar panels that would be mounted
on top.
2
30.
31. Opening in Roof
Roof Panels
Scaffold Structure
Operable Bamboo Louvers
20ft Container
Bamboo Cladding
Foundation
36. C ontents
Lighting Consultation
Sun Study
Site Strategy
Page 37
Page 38
Page 40
Page 42
Page 43
Page 44
Page 45
Page 46
Page 47
Page 48
Page 49
Day-time Visualisation
Night-time Visualisation
Site Plan
Layout Diagrams
Section on AA
Section on BB
Assembly Diagram
Page 51
Page 52
Page 53
Page 54
Page 55
Page 56
Page 57
Furniture Examples
Page 58
Technical Information
Page 59
Credits
Page 67
Proposal 1
Day-time Visualisation
Night-time Visualisation
Site Plan
Layout Diagrams
Section on AA
Front Elevation
Section on BB
Assembly Diagram
Proposal 2
37. 37
Diagram showing a
comparison between
original design and
the implementation of
louvred light shelves.
onsultation
- Enlargement of louvres (See fig. 1)
By enlarging the louvres and painting them white or cream, they will be able to
act as a light shelf, maximising the amount of daylight inside the container.
Fig. 1
ighting C
Following our meeting with Gillian Treacy, a lighting specialist from Edinburgh
University, we have been able to more fully assess the lighting conditions inside
our intended designs. We have concluded that some small alterations to the
design must be made to improve our utilisation of daylight while also minimising
the solar exposure to the containers. The following adaptations are:
L
Lighting Consultation Summary
- Alteration to the height of window
By extending the window to the top of the container roof we can allow more
natural light into the container
- Colour of the underside of roof
Painting the underside of the roof a light colour such as white or cream will allow
day light to be reflected to the inside of the container.
Through investigating methods of artificial lighting required for the evening use
of the containers we have found that warm LED strip lighting would be the most
advantageous solution. We would also like to propose a type of operable casing
for the LED lighting which could allow the direction of the light to be adjusted
depending on the users needs. For example the light could be used to specifically
light the roof or walls to create more ambient lighting within the space, or
alternatively it could be directed downwards during times of work or study.
We have also considered the possibility of task lighting which could be implemented
by the inclusion of smaller LED lights fixed to the desks or poles. This would improve
visibility for key boards during times of lower light levels inside the containers.
There is also the possibility of incorporating rechargeable battery operated solar
lights which could be fully moveable and taken to any part of the container by the
user depending on their specific requirements.
Gillian has also recommended a couple of specialist lighting companies who may
be able to provide additional information:
- Mike Stoane Lighting: http://www.mikestoanelighting.com/
- ACDC Lighting: http://www.acdclighting.co.uk/
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Warm LED strip lighting
is recommended as
the primary artificial
lighting option.
An example of possible
LED task Lighting which
could be desk and pole
mounted.
38. 38
Accra, Ghana
S
Ghana Accra lat. 5.6 degrees
un P
ath S
Insolation: 21st December
time : 12:00
time : 16:00
tud y | 40ft C
time : 09:00
ontainer
Insolation: 21st June
time : 09:00
time : 12:00
time : 16:00
39. 39
Insolation: 21st December
time : 12:00
time : 09:00
time : 12:00
time : 16:00
Insolation: 21st June
The study reveals that 2x20 and 40 feet containers are protected from solar exposure both during winter and summer months. Furthermore, sun rays are almost vertical
during the day throughout the year.
As a result photovoltaic panels on roof structure will have more or less optimum performance regardless of orientation as long as roof angle does not exceed 10 degrees.
time : 16:00
Sun Path Study | 2x20ft Container
time : 09:00
40. 40
S
ite S
NE
trateg y
Hot & Dusty Air From Sahara
North East planting of mixed vegetation to reduce the impact of hot and dusty air from the Sahara.
Bamboo when grown sufficiently may be used for replacing damaged bamboo on the structure
SW
Atlantic Ocean Breeze
Moist Air from the Atlantic Ocean coming from the South - West will advance natural ventilation
strategies within the containers and cool down the interiors.
N
46. 46
D
iagrammatic S
ection on A A | S
Storage space for batteries
with a perforated back for
ventilation
Fixed power outlets
Storage space for
table legs
Gantry
cale 1:50
Cupboard for desk-mounted
computers
Cupboard for pole-mounted
computers
Storage for table tops
A
A
49. 49
49
S
equence of A
ssembly | 40ft C
ontainer
1. Container is lifted onto foundations
2. Openings are created, wall folds down to create floor plate
3. Primary structure
4. Bamboo cladding
5. Louvres
6. Roof
57. 57
S
Similar to the diagrams of the 40ft container, the following images show the sequence of assembly 2x20ft containers While we have focused on these solutions, it is possible that the footprint of the structure could be reduced
or extended via a single 20ft container or a 2x40ft option, depending on the needs of the community.
equence of A
ssembly| 2x20 ft C
ontainer
1. Containers are lifted onto foundations
2. Openings are created, wall folds down to create floor plate
3. Primary structure
4. Bamboo cladding
5. Louvres
6. Roof
58. 58
F
Main concept for furniture featuring computers mounted to metal poles, which are
attached to a gantry system.
Steel gantry system is to be attached to the roof of the container with a supporting
framework.
urniture E x
Option A: Example sourced from Rhubarb Solutions
amples
Line of Movement
Option B: Example sourced from Sung Jang Laboratory
Removable table legs made from maple.
59. PLAN OF 40 Feet CONTAINER
scale 1:50
WINDOWS ON BACK ELEVATION WITH
MANUALLY MOVABLE LOUVERS FOR
ADVANCING NATURAL VENTILATION
5 x BATTERIES LOCATED IN
CENTRAL BACK WALL FURNITURE
WITH PERFORATED BACK SIDE
FOR EXHAUSTION OF FUMES
BACK WALL FURNITURE FOR
STORING TABLE TOPS AND
REMOVABLE TABLE LEGS
B
12000
10350
LINE OF ROOF EXTENSION
A
2510
A
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO
MOVABLE ARMS ANCHORED
AROUND METAL POLES.
THE POLES ARE ATTACHED
ONTO A ROOF GUN RAIL
SYSTEM FOR MOVING WITHIN
THE SPACE.
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO
MOVABLE ARMS ANCHORED
ONTO FREE STANDING TABLES
HORIZONTAL BAMBOO LOGS FIXED
ONTO BAMBOO FRAME.
BAMBOO APPLICATION IS DENSER
ON THE LOWER AND UPPER AREAS
OF THE ELEVATIONS FOR ADVANCE
PROTECTION FROM WEATHER.
IN THE MIDDLE PART THE BAMBOO
ARE SPREAD MORE WIDELY
ALLOWING FOR MORE NATURAL
LIGHT WITHIN THE INTERIOR
2400
10000
B
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
10 m. WIDE STANDARD SIZE
PERFORATED SHUTTER FIXED IN
THE CONTAINER FRONT
FOR SECURITY
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
59
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
60. 40 Feet CONTAINER OCCUPATION LAYOUT
60
Flexible layout
Classroom layout
Community layout
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
61. 40 Feet CONTAINER
scale 1:50
1700
HORIZONTAL BAMBOO LOGS FIXED
ONTO BAMBOO FRAME.
BAMBOO APPLICATION IS DENSER
ON THE LOWER AND UPPER AREAS
OF THE ELEVATIONS FOR ADVANCE
PROTECTION FROM WEATHER.
IN THE MIDDLE PART THE BAMBOO
ARE SPREAD MORE WIDELY
ALLOWING FOR MORE NATURAL
LIGHT WITHIN THE INTERIOR
750
500
700
2800
WINDOWS ON BACK ELEVATION WITH
MANUALLY MOVABLE LOUVERS FOR
ADVANCING NATURAL VENTILATION
2133
2133
1000
2133
2133
2133
12000
1000
Front Elevation
Door end
of shipping
container.
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO
MOVABLE ARMS ANCHORED
AROUND METAL POLES.
THE POLES ARE ATTACHED
ONTO A ROOF GUN RAIL
SYSTEM FOR MOVING WITHIN
THE SPACE.
1650
2800
WINDOWS ON BACK ELEVATION
WITH MANUALLY MOVABLE
LOUVERS FOR ADVANCING
NATURAL VENTILATION
5 x BATTERIES LOCATED IN
CENTRAL BACK WALL FURNITURE
WITH PERFORATED BACK SIDE
FOR EXHAUSTION OF FUMES
BACK WALL FURNITURE FOR STORING
TABLE TOPS AND REMOVABLE TABLE LEGS
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO
MOVABLE ARMS ANCHORED
ONTO FREE STANDING TABLES
750
500
750
4 No. POWER OUTLETS FOR
CONNECTING MOVABLE COMPUTER
TABLES AND POLES WITHIN THE INTERIOR
705
1000
1545
3280
700
12000
3280
1545
705
1000
Section A-A
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
61
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
62. 62
40 Feet CONTAINER
Section B-B with Cross Ventilation Strategies
scale 1:25
6 x PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS ANCHORED
10 meter WIDE STANDARD SIZE SHUTTER
FIXED IN THE CONTAINER FRONT FOR SECURITY
HORIZONTAL BAMBOO LOGS FIXED ONTO
BAMBOO FRAME.
BAMBOO APPLICATION IS DENSER ON THE
LOWER AND UPPER AREAS OF THE ELEVATIONS
FOR ADVANCE PROTECTION FROM WEATHER.
IN THE MIDDLE PART THE BAMBOO ARE SPREAD
MORE WIDELY ALLOWING FOR MORE NATURAL
LIGHT WITHIN THE INTERIOR
LOCATION OF GUN RAIL FOR ADJUSTING
COMPUTER POLES WITHIN CONTAINER
CUPBOARD FOR STORING
MOVABLE METAL POLES
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO MOVABLE
ARMS ANCHORED AROUND METAL POLES
FURNITURE FOR STORING TABLE TOPS
NEW FLOOR FINISH FOR
LEVELING INTERIOR AND
EXTERIOR FLOOR HEIGHT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
WINDOWS ON BACK ELEVATION
WITH MANUALLY MOVABLE
BLINDS FOR ADVANCING
NATURAL VENTILATION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
ONTO THE ROOF OF THE CONTAINER
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
63. PLAN OF 2 x 20 Feet CONTAINER
scale 1:50
A
6000
4500
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO
MOVABLE ARMS ANCHORED
AROUND METAL POLES.
THE POLES ARE ATTACHED ONTO
A ROOF GUN RAIL SYSTEM FOR
MOVING WITHIN THE SPACE.
2 x BATTERIES LOCATED IN BACK
WALL FURNITURE WITH
PERFORATED BACK SIDE FOR
EXHAUSTION OF FUMES
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO
MOVABLE ARMS ANCHORED
ONTO FREE STANDING TABLES
4500
HORIZONTAL BAMBOO LOGS FIXED
ONTO BAMBOO FRAME.
BAMBOO APPLICATION IS DENSER
ON THE LOWER AND UPPER AREAS
OF THE ELEVATIONS FOR ADVANCE
PROTECTION FROM WEATHER.
IN THE MIDDLE PART THE BAMBOO
ARE SPREAD MORE WIDELY
ALLOWING FOR MORE NATURAL
LIGHT WITHIN THE INTERIOR
4800
2400
4.5 m. WIDE SHUTTERS FIXED IN THE
FRONT ELEVATION FOR SECURITY
B
2400
B
3 x BATTERIES LOCATED IN BACK
WALL FURNITURE WITH
PERFORATED BACK SIDE FOR
EXHAUSTION OF FUMES
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO
MOVABLE ARMS ANCHORED
ONTO FREE STANDING TABLES
BACK WALL FURNITURE FOR
STORING TABLE TOPS AND
REMOVABLE TABLE LEGS.
FURNITURE INCORPORATES
2 No. POWER OUTLETS
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO
MOVABLE ARMS ANCHORED
AROUND METAL POLES.
THE POLES ARE ATTACHED ONTO
A ROOF GUN RAIL SYSTEM FOR
MOVING WITHIN THE SPACE.
4500
6000
A
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
63
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
64. 64
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
2 x 20 Feet CONTAINER OCCUPATION LAYOUT
Classroom layout
Community layout
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Flexible layout
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
65. 2 x 20 Feet CONTAINER Section B -B
scale 1:25
HORIZONTAL BAMBOO LOGS FIXED
ONTO BAMBOO FRAME.
BAMBOO APPLICATION IS DENSER
ON THE LOWER AND UPPER AREAS
OF THE ELEVATIONS FOR ADVANCE
PROTECTION FROM WEATHER.
IN THE MIDDLE PART THE BAMBOO
ARE SPREAD MORE WIDELY
ALLOWING FOR MORE NATURAL
LIGHT WITHIN THE INTERIOR
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
WINDOWS ON SIDE ELEVATION
WITH MANUALLY MOVABLE
LOUVERS FOR ADVANCING
NATURAL VENTILATION
SITTING BENCH ON WEST
SIDE FOR CASUAL WAITING
AND CONVERSATIONS
PREFABRICATED METALLIC STEPS
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
65
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
66. 2 x 20 Feet CONTAINER SECTION A - A with cross & stack ventilation
SCALE 1:50
5°
3 x PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
ANCHORED ONTO THE ROOF
OF THE CONTAINER
500
0.5 M. MINIMUM DISTANCE FOR CUTTING
AWAY PARTS OF THE CONTAINER
750
700
2880
500
4.5 m. WIDE SHUTTERS FIXED IN THE
FRONT ELEVATION FOR SECURITY
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO
MOVABLE ARMS ANCHORED
AROUND METAL POLES
WINDOWS ON SIDE ELEVATION
WITH MANUALLY MOVABLE
LOUVERS FOR ADVANCING
NATURAL VENTILATION
COMPUTERS FIXED ONTO
MOVABLE ARMS ANCHORED
ONTO FREE STANDING TABLES
NEW FLOOR FINISH FOR
LEVELING INTERIOR AND
EXTERIOR FLOOR HEIGHT
2400
1000
2400
9720
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
1700
CUPBOARD FOR
STORING COMPUTERS
1000
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
3 x PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
ANCHORED ONTO THE ROOF
OF THE CONTAINER
10°
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
66
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
67. ESALA Project Team
Alia Aida
Jonathan Lynn
Shaun McLeod
Suzanne Priestley
Tanya Saroglou
Feng Qui
Team Co-ordinator: Dr Ola Uduku
