The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture Uses Rammed Earth
Amy Duong — November 19, 2024 — Art & Design
References: massdesigngroup.org & dezeen
The team at American studio MASS Design Group has created the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture located in the village of Gashora in Rwanda. The accommodation block is comprised of a figure-eight shape and is defined by the buildings made from rammed earth along with compressed earth blocks. The student housing creates a part of the university where there are also educational spaces.
The design director of MASS Design Group, Chris Hardy shares with Dezeen, "Through cutting-edge architecture, sustainable materials and off-grid power, RICA sets a new standard for environmental stewardship. More than a symbol, RICA thrives as a biodiverse ecosystem, guided by a meticulous plan for native species restoration. From savannah woodlands to papyrus wetlands, RICA's design blends seamlessly with nature, utilising passive cooling and locally sourced materials like rammed earth and wood."
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
The design director of MASS Design Group, Chris Hardy shares with Dezeen, "Through cutting-edge architecture, sustainable materials and off-grid power, RICA sets a new standard for environmental stewardship. More than a symbol, RICA thrives as a biodiverse ecosystem, guided by a meticulous plan for native species restoration. From savannah woodlands to papyrus wetlands, RICA's design blends seamlessly with nature, utilising passive cooling and locally sourced materials like rammed earth and wood."
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Architecture - The use of rammed earth and compressed earth blocks in construction showcases a sustainable approach that minimizes environmental impact and promotes the use of locally sourced materials.
2. Off-grid Power Solutions - Incorporating off-grid power systems within the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture highlights advancements in self-sufficient energy solutions that reduce dependency on conventional power grids.
3. Educational Ecosystem Integration - The integration of educational spaces within a biodiverse ecosystem in the campus design provides a model for immersive learning environments that teach sustainability and conservation firsthand.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The construction industry can explore the environmental and cost benefits of rammed earth and other sustainable building materials demonstrated by the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture.
2. Renewable Energy - Off-grid power solutions at RICA underscore the potential for renewable energy industries to support large-scale projects in remote locations.
3. Higher Education - Higher education institutions can adopt designs that integrate learning with conservation, enhancing environmental education through immersive campus ecosystems like at RICA.
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