Umubano Primary School / MASS Design Group

Umubano Primary School / MASS Design Group - Facade
© Iwan Baan
Kigali, Rwanda

Umubano Primary School / MASS Design Group - Image 2 of 8Umubano Primary School / MASS Design Group - FacadeUmubano Primary School / MASS Design Group - Windows, ChairUmubano Primary School / MASS Design Group - Table, Windows, Chair, BeamUmubano Primary School / MASS Design Group - More Images+ 3

  • Architect In Charge: MASS Design Group
  • Design Team: Michael Murphy, Alan Ricks, Sierra Bainbridge, Ebberly Strathairn, Branden Collins, Andrew Brose, Marika Shioiri-Clark, Ryan Leidner, Eric Mutabazi
  • Landscape Design: Sierra Bainbridge
  • City: Kigali
  • Country: Rwanda
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Umubano Primary School / MASS Design Group - Windows, Chair
© Iwan Baan

Text description provided by the architects. Background

In 2007, UK charity A Partner In Education (APIE), as part of its mission to boost education in Africa, committed to building a new school campus in the Kigali neighborhood of Kabeza to replace dilapidated existing facilities. MASS was brought onboard to select the new site, design the new educational facility, as well as assist in building the organizational structure to support the educational programs for the Kabeza neighborhood. The school opened in July of 2011 with H.E. President Paul Kagame inaugurating the project.

Umubano Primary School / MASS Design Group - Image 2 of 8
© Iwan Baan

Contextual Design

The design of the building layout and circulation takes direct inspiration from the neighborhood and the region; due to the hilly landscape, people travel across switchbacks on terraced agricultural land — and the school’s traversing walkways and outdoor classrooms mirror this context. MASS created unique settings for learning with a mix of interior rooms, exterior teaching areas, and terraced play spaces for children. Local materials such as brick and papyrus reeds were used in the construction to cut down on transportation costs, limit the use of imported and often contextually inappropriate materials, and to spur the region’s economy by encouraging local markets. MASS collaborated with local craftsmen to incorporate local expertise in the process. The design employs natural ventilation strategies, and the verendeel trusses in the roof structure create clerestory lighting in order to reduce energy consumption.

Amenities

7 buildings with 9 classrooms, library, computer lab, kitchen, and administrative space, Mixed interior rooms and exterior teaching areas, Terraced play spaces

Umubano Primary School / MASS Design Group - Image 8 of 8
Site Plan

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Project location

Address:Kigali, Rwanda

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Umubano Primary School / MASS Design Group" 19 May 2013. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/372709/umubano-primary-school-mass-design-group> ISSN 0719-8884

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