Bangladesh faces big flood problems each year. From June until September up to two third of the land can be covered with water. The problem is intensified through the fact that Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world and trough a tropical climate. All in all, there are three major problems Bangladesh is suffering from: floods, heat and poverty.
To solve the flood problem, a level is created which is higher than the maximum flood level (here: 5m). Underneath this protected level, another level is established. This helps solving the second problem, the heat. The lower level is shaded by the upper one. Since there are no walls the area is perfectly ventilated and can be used for sports, breaks and as open-air classrooms. There is also an open-air stage for manifold activities. All the premises are heat protected with several techniques: a roof overhang and a rear ventilated roof - including the “Venturi-Effect” - a cross-ventilation in the rooms and an air circulation all around the rooms plus sun protection elements.
The third problem is poverty. Facing this, the school is mainly built of regional, unexpensive and sustainable materials: Bamboo, clay and textile. The only material in which people have to invest is concrete. It is necessary for a secure construction of the upper level because there are impacts of wind, sun and water. Since the people of the village are highly included in the construction and maintenance of the school, it provides work not only during the building process but also later. Thus the parents may become more attached to the school and the dropout rate may decrease. Finally, the school is also a rescue area for the people of the village and their animals in case of floods.