TNF AKHUWAT FOUNDATION SCHOOL
THE AKHUWAT FOUNDATION
FAISALABAD, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
DESIGN COMPETITION
3RD PLACE, IAP - LAHORE
1000' X 360'
80,000 SQ FT
HUZEFA HAROON
MERAKI DESIGN GROUP
MERAKI DESIGN GROUP
HUZEFA HAROON
The design brief for this boarding school in rural Faisalabad, Pakistan, emphasized the need for the establishment to be both inexpensive and effective. With Pakistan’s literacy rate still at a low 57%, there is a dire need for educational institutions with a holistic approach, including boarding facilities, to remove children from the potentially harmful influence of illiterate family environments. Expanding on the above, the design intent for the competition entry was to prioritize the use of local and indigenous construction materials and technology. This approach ensures not only cost-effectiveness but also promotes sustainable development within the local community. Engaging local labor in the construction process aims to foster a sense of ownership and community association, thereby positively contributing to the local economy and the attitude toward the school.
The architectural blueprint for the school reflects a deliberate formality. This formality mirrors university and potential workplace environments, preparing students for their future endeavors while allowing room for future expansion between each classroom. Outdoor activity areas serve as extensions of the classroom, facilitating hands-on engagement in activities such as pottery, arts, crafts, and music. These areas are particularly geared towards younger students, fostering creativity and experiential learning in tandem with academic pursuits. Hostel accommodations are strategically divided into separate zones for faculty, boys, and girls, all surrounding a central courtyard. This layout promotes a sense of community while respecting privacy and security. The placement of the library at the heart of the complex, facing a spacious sports field, along with adjacent game rooms, creates a dynamic hub for both academic and recreational pursuits. These facilities not only serve functional purposes but also act as catalysts for meaningful student interactions, blending study and play seamlessly.
In alignment with the community’s needs and aspirations, vocational workshops are integrated into the school’s design. These workshops engage local residents in skill development activities, extending the school’s impact beyond traditional education hours. By offering vocational training alongside recreational areas like the lay field and play area, the school promotes a holistic approach to education and community engagement. The design philosophy prioritizes the use of cost-effective local materials and construction methods to foster sustainable development and community involvement. Through rainwater harvesting and on-campus food cultivation, the school aims to instill environmental responsibility and self-sufficiency among students. These initiatives not only align with global Sustainable Development Goals but also resonate with the farming backgrounds of many students, creating a sense of familiarity and connection to the land.
Architecturally, the staggered volumetric approach facilitates natural ventilation and creates interstitial spaces for various activities. This design not only enhances comfort but also allows for future expansion, ensuring the school’s adaptability to the community’s evolving needs. Inspired by the local aesthetic and considering climatic nuances, design details such as local brick perforated screens and charpai weave panels in windows reflect the cultural identity of the region. The elevation features a harmonious integration of open courtyards and built structures, promoting a balance that enhances the learning environment. The use of local materials, as seen in the perforated brick screens, adds both aesthetic value and functional shading, while the strategic placement of greenery on rooftops contributes to the overall environmental sustainability of the building. Moreover, the design strikes a harmonious balance between built structures and open courts. This balance fosters an environment that supports both structured education and freeform activities, enhancing the overall learning experience and ensuring that the design remains accessible and conducive to learning.
Ultimately, the overarching goal is to create a nurturing learning environment that cultivates academic excellence, practical skills development, and overall well-being among the student body. By positively impacting the surrounding community through sustainable practices and community engagement initiatives, the school aspires to be a beacon of hope and progress in rural Faisalabad, Pakistan.