A bioclimatic school in Dakar, Senegal.

The Jean-Mermoz French lyceum in Dakar, Senegal covers every level of education – from kindergarten through to high school – and offers plenty of extra-curriculum activities. The project is based on the principles of bioclimatic architecture and won the Grand Prix AFEX 2012.



French architecture practices, Terreneuve + Adam Yedid architectes designed the new French lyceum contracted by the Agency for French Teaching Abroad, AEFE, in Dakar.



The 17-thousand square metre complex was designed with a view tosustainability . Budget restrictions led to the use of low-tech solutions, which have no international certifications to their name but are the results of studies oriented towards environmental and social responsibility. One of the architects’ significant decisions in these terms was to use only Senegalese enterprises, favouring the school’s ties with its territory and drawing on local resources and methods.





The school compound has plenty of room and has been kept simple, all with the aid of studies in colour.



The design choices lean towards natural cooling systems and light, at the same time guaranteeing protection from direct sunlight.
The compound’s wastewater and rainwater treatment systems, are also important to make sure this precious resource is not squandered.





Students have been given a welcoming learning context that sends out a clear signal: bioclimatic construction is not just an expensive affectation, it conserves natural resources and it also keeps down costs.

Project: Terreneuve + Adam Yedid architectes
Location: Dakar, Senegal
Photos: courtesy of aefe - ©Terreneuve Architectes - photos @Daniel Rousselot
Awards: Grand Prix AFEX 2012
Link: News Grand Prix AFEX 2012, http://www.floornature.com/architecture-news/news-terreneuve-adam-yedid-architectes-win-grand-prix-afex-2012-8193/