Vivere la Terra tra tradizione e innovazione: il progetto architettonico di una scuola in Casamance, Senegal

The Africa represents a privileged laboratory for the experimentation of architectural models grounded in the integration of environment, culture, and construction. Within this context, the “Less is More” paradigm assumes both ethical and operational significance, emerging as a sustainability strategy capable of enhancing local resources, vernacular knowledge, and community-based processes with low environmental impact. African vernacular architectures, based on the use of local materials such as raw earth, respond to the continent’s diverse microclimates through adaptive and resilient construction systems, able to ensure indoor comfort in a natural manner. This contribution forms part of a broader research project initiated with the international Kaira Looro 2023 competition, promoted by Balouo Salo, for the design of a primary school in the rural areas of Casamance, Senegal, and subsequently developed as a graduation thesis focused on the relationship between architecture, community, and sustainability. Through territorial, climatic, and socio-cultural analysis, the study investigates African vernacular architecture as a model of circular economy, environmental resilience, and identity-based construction, with particular attention to the Mandinka, Peul, and Dyola ethnic groups and their traditional building techniques. The work situates itself within the debate opened by the 18th International Architecture Exhibition - “The Laboratory of the Future. Africa”.