A lesson of passive design given by the new school of architecture and built environment in Kigali, Rwanda

The paper aims to depict the results achieved in terms of climate responsive design by the new School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE) at the University of Rwanda in Kigali. Inspired by the northern region of Rwanda dominated by volcanoes the School reveals all its adaptation to the context combining a passive design concept with the tropical architecture principles. Paraphrasing Le Corbusier, tropical architecture can be understood as the masterly, correct and magnificent play of masses brought together into tropic light. East Africa is located in the tropical zone therefore, the design of passive buildings requires an appropriate analysis and knowledge of this specific climate and context in order to provide an indoor comfort despite the weather conditions. The project consists of two wings sharing a common space –courtyard, at the ground floor and interlinked at the first floor by bridges. Twelve stereometric volumes host the practical and theoretical classes of the four departments forming the School. Upstairs each volcano has a clerestory on the top and ribbon folding doors at the bottom allowing the fresh wind flowing in the classrooms and downstairs the administration area and the common facilities are naturally lighted and ventilated through green patios or perforated walls. Local material – volcanic stone from Musanze in the North Province, has been used to clad the exterior sides of the building that represents the massiveness of the natural element in contrast with the plastered and orange painted interior elevations that recalls the incandescent lava. Structurally conceived as a sequence of concrete shells loaded by a frame structure the School has soon become an iconic artifact in the architectural Rwandan scenario not only for its uniqueness but also for the sense of community translated into architecture.