Article source: Urko Sanchez Architects

A medina for children designed according to extreme weather conditions and community traditions.

CONTEXT

We were approached by SOS Kinderdorf for a compound of 15 houses for children, to run their family-strengthening programmes, as they are an international NGO committed to caring for children, orphaned or in need, and to provide them with a permanent home and family. The project was to take place in Tadjourah, on the coast of Djibouti, in the horn of Africa, not far from where the hottest temperature ever was recorded. This very hot and dry climate will be a determining aspect in our design solution.

Image Courtesy © Javier Callejas

• Architects: Urko Sanchez Architects
• Project: SOS Children’s Village
• Location: Tadjourah, Djibouti
• Photography: Javier Callejas
• Client: SOS The Children, INTERNATIONAL
• Collaborators: Estrella de Andrés, John Andrews
• Year 2011 – 2014
• Awards:
  
  • Architecture for Social Gain 2015 – Merit Certificate
  • Archmarathon 2016 Mixed Tenure Housing & Buildings category – Winner

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