General Architecture Collaborative – 2022
A Hub for Learning, Play, and Wellness
Architectural Harmony in the Hills of Rwanda
Nestled in the picturesque hills near the village of Masoro in Rwanda, the Masoro Learning & Sports Center stands as a testament to architectural excellence and community empowerment. Conceived and constructed by the General Architecture Collaborative (GAC), this 1100 m² facility seamlessly integrates a library, classrooms, technology education rooms, indoor and outdoor exercise spaces, community teaching gardens, outdoor theaters, a basketball court, and a soccer field. All these amenities are offered freely to community members, forming a collection of spaces that foster learning, play, and wellness.
Inclusive Construction: Building a Community Legacy
During the construction phase, GAC employed 390 builders from the local region, with an impressive 54% being women. These builders received not only fair compensation but also additional benefits such as pension contributions, breakfast, lunch, safety training, and equipment. The construction process prioritized community builder training in sustainable techniques, including ModernBrick construction, modified recycled bitumen roofs, site-harvested stone foundations, and woven walls and ceilings using local grasses and bark.
Sustainable Infrastructure: Beyond Traditional Conventions
The Masoro Learning & Sports Center adopts off-grid infrastructures, including rainwater harvesting and biodigesters. Deviating from the typical fortress-like walls seen in the region, the center utilizes parameter buildings, vegetation, and landforms to create a secure environment through multiple small courtyards and exterior spaces. Topographical adjustments serve dual purposes – providing seating, differentiating programs, and defining an existing soccer field, all while repurposing excess soil into compressed blocks for future construction projects and low-impact building techniques training.
Community-Centric Approach: Collaboration for Sustainability
In a collaborative effort, GAC partnered with community leaders, educational organizations, and healthcare NGOs to ensure the center meets current and future community needs. Post-opening, local managers were hired and trained to oversee the center’s operations and maintenance. During the pandemic, the center played a vital role in disseminating information and distributing supplies to keep the community safe. The gardens’ harvest addressed nutritional concerns during challenging times, and the library continued to provide a learning space for children when schools were closed.
Inclusive Ownership: A Community’s Pride
The Masoro Learning & Sports Center is not just a physical space; it embodies an inclusive design and construction process that has invested the entire community in its protection, maintenance, and growth. Today, collective decisions by community members dictate the center’s usage, turning it into a shared common ground where the spirit of unity thrives. This architectural marvel stands as a beacon of community empowerment, illustrating the transformative potential of thoughtful design and inclusive construction practices.
