Architecture

SHoP plans 50 new schools for earthquake-struck Nepal

SHoP plans 50 new schools for earthquake-struck Nepal
Construction is set to begin in early 2016
Construction is set to begin in early 2016
View 8 Images
Construction is set to begin in early 2016
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Construction is set to begin in early 2016
The firm reports that each building will be "earthquake-resistant"
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The firm reports that each building will be "earthquake-resistant"
SHoP has joined forces with non-profit Kids of Kathmandu and NGO Asia Friendship Network for the project
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SHoP has joined forces with non-profit Kids of Kathmandu and NGO Asia Friendship Network for the project
The schools will sport a semi-transparent sunshade to reduce the effects of the summer heat, while solar panels will produce electricity
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The schools will sport a semi-transparent sunshade to reduce the effects of the summer heat, while solar panels will produce electricity
The schools will comprise a flexible system that can be adapted to the local site conditions
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The schools will comprise a flexible system that can be adapted to the local site conditions
The schools will be assembled with help from local volunteers
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The schools will be assembled with help from local volunteers
The schools will have new kitchens, wireless internet, and donated computers
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The schools will have new kitchens, wireless internet, and donated computers
"The new earthquake-resistant school buildings will take a holistic approach to enhancing the children's learning experience," says SHoP
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"The new earthquake-resistant school buildings will take a holistic approach to enhancing the children's learning experience," says SHoP
View gallery - 8 images

The struggle to rebuild Nepal's infrastructure since the devastating earthquake that struck in April has inspired some architects to try and help, resulting in ideas like the Temporary Shelter in Nepal and Just a Minute shelters. In a similar vein, New York City's SHoP Architects recently made a commitment to build 50 schools for the ailing country.

SHoP joined forces with non-profit Kids of Kathmandu and NGO Asia Friendship Network for the project, which will comprise a flexible building template that can be adapted to the local site conditions and assembled with help from local volunteers.

In an effort to ensure the schools are able to stand up to earthquakes, they will be built using concrete slab foundations, steel truss roofs, and earth brick construction. The schools will be outfitted with new kitchens, wireless internet, and donated computers, and could possibly serve as a safe haven should another disaster strike.

The schools will sport a semi-transparent sunshade to reduce the effects of the summer heat, while solar panels will produce electricity
The schools will sport a semi-transparent sunshade to reduce the effects of the summer heat, while solar panels will produce electricity

The schools will sport solar panels to produce electricity and a water purification system will also be installed. We've no word on whether a rainwater collection system is planned, but given that the school's roof includes large overhangs to aid rainwater runoff, it seems a sound idea.

"The new earthquake-resistant school buildings will take a holistic approach to enhancing the children's learning experience," says SHoP. "In addition, these schools will serve as community centers – making their resources available after-hours, and even in some cases providing electricity and clean water to their respective villages."

Construction is set to begin in early 2016 with an initial two schools. The eventual plan is to install schools in the hardest-hit and most remote areas in Nepal.

Source: SHoP via Arch Daily

View gallery - 8 images
2 comments
2 comments
6gillshark
I just shared this with a friend who is currently teaching in Nepal - here is her response: "Impressive but think it might only work in KTM- concrete cost too much and is not readily available in many places and Internet and wireless access is almost non- existence in most places. They need help with buildings so any support they can get from whoever is always appreciated. Thanks for sharing the article" I do hope they follow through with this, too many in the world of "Humanitarian Aid" don't stay long after the cameras are gone.
Thanks for the article.
Don Duncan
I like the earth brick usage. It allows local labor/material to be used, saving money and letting the end users feel in control of their future. I wonder why the slab foundation is not rammed earth also?