MERIT AWARD

Submitted by the Efficiency Lab for Architecture, the design of the Senegal Elementary School, located in Marsassoum, Senegal, has two primary goals: to rebuild the existing school campus and to introduce a new construction method to the local population which can then be employed in other projects.

The design approach starts from the exploration of a tectonic integer—the rammed earth column—and expanding to define spaces, and further propagation of individual spaces forming the campus.

The design creates a circular, slip formwork strategy that enables rammed earth columns to be built without the need for elaborate scaffolding and formwork braces. Each individual column is poured and rammed in 500 millimeter vertical sections. The circular geometry enables structural integrity of the formwork against lateral pressure during the ramming process. The columns are arranged in a circular plan, forming the spatial integer of the campus. The columns are spaced with a 75 millimeter gap to allow natural light into the space as well as provide cross ventilation. The gaps between the columns also allow for ease of construction of adjacent columns, as well as create spaces for the roof rafters to be interlaced with the columns. The roof is created on the floor from woven bamboo, and hoisted up to its final elevation. Each circular space is nested together to create the school’s cellular spatial structure. The spaces are adjoined by a masonry wall, created by L-shaped bricks that interlock in all three directions forming a good bonding for lateral stability of the wall. The school is composed of twelve pavilions organized around the existing tree, creating a courtyard for the school that serves as the social heart.

The school campus is programmed to be self-sustaining, encompassing not only classrooms, a library and reading nook, and offices, but also a well, corrals, and orchards.

Submitted by Magnusson Architecture and Planning, The Corden, located in the Bronx, offers 62 apartments for low-income households—37 reserved for families from New York City’s domestic violence shelters, creating a safe, stable community in the Bronx.

Emphasizing mental and physical well-being, the design prioritized day-lit corridors and apartments flooded with natural light for restorative, inspired living; egress stairs with large windows and double-height landings to encourage safety and use; and an array of communal spaces—a library, lounge, community room, children’s playroom, and rear yard designed to accommodate gatherings, a small stage, and a children’s play area. The variety of amenities, their airy feel and locations, especially the top floor laundry, lounge, and library with views of Manhattan and the East River, are uncommon for affordable housing in the city; but reserving the best spaces for community speaks to the inclusiveness of this design.

While the development is larger than its neighbors, context was important. Breaking the massing through variations in color and materials facilitated an appropriate scale.

Red brick adorns the facades along East 165th Street and Bryant Avenue and again in the rear along the courtyard, corresponding to the rust color of the neighboring masonry structures. The classic stylistic choice sets this building comfortably within its surroundings. By contrast, another, darker brick with blue undertones, is a contemporary counterpoint to that long-established aesthetic.

The metal panels at the upper floor setbacks and on portions of the 165th street façade lighten the appearance and relate to the metal-clad lobby structures of the NYCHA buildings across the street. They also combine with metal window boxes, which conceal air conditioners, to reflect light and brighten the surface for a dynamic exterior.

RESIDENTIAL MULTI FAMILY, MULTIPLE DWELLINGS THE CORDEN BRONX, NEW YORK

SUBMITTED BY: MAGNUSSON ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING