PEDIATRIC CLINIC : SENEGAL

Project: Pediatric clinic

Location: Keur Bakar

This project, undertaken as part of the Architecture for Humanity course, focused on extensive research in the realm of off-grid architecture production. The aim was to develop architectural structures that could be situated, assembled, and adapted in diverse contexts, including extreme environments, to establish emergency or service facilities with elevated aesthetic and perceived value. In response to the urgent demand for healthcare infrastructure in remote regions, our team embarked on a transformative endeavor to conceive a sustainable pediatric clinic for a small village in Senegal.

Our primary objective was to design a facility that not only fulfilled the healthcare requirements of the local community and nearby villages but also seamlessly integrated with the surrounding landscape. Emphasizing resilience against climate change and adhering to sustainable design principles, we sought to create a structure that harmonized with its environment. The village of Keur Bakar, situated in the southwestern region of Senegal, presented unique challenges due to its isolation and susceptibility to climate change impacts, such as extreme heat, resource scarcity, and occasional flooding.

By drawing inspiration from Senegal’s rich cultural heritage and vernacular architecture, we devised a concept that aimed to safeguard and fortify the community of Keur Bakar and neighboring villages against the effects of climate change. Our endeavor encompassed ensuring access to reliable healthcare facilities while concurrently preserving nature and imparting knowledge on climate change, sustainable design, and the incorporation of both contemporary and traditional building techniques in our architectural solutions.