Cornell University
IN-1: Innovation 1

Schoolhouse South Africa Schoolhouse South Africa (SSA) is an interdisciplinary student-led design-build project and research endeavor orchestrated by Cornell University Sustainable Design (CUSD). The project team partnered with Education Africa (a non-profit organization that focuses on counter poverty measures through education), Play-with-a-Purpose (early childhood education specialists), Basil Read Developments, and the City of the Johannesburg to execute the design, fundraising, and construction of a 6,000 sq ft preschool and teacher training facility in Cosmo City, Johannesburg, South Africa. During August 2010 through December 2010 students’ research culminated in a comprehensive atlas featuring information on cultural systems, urban demographics, local construction materials and techniques, sustainable building systems, and site analysis. Volunteer students visited Cosmo City to conduct an extensive site survey. From January 2011 through May 2011, 2nd year Bachelor of Architecture students consulted SSA members and previous research to develop and refine schematic designs for the preschool. From May 2011 through July 2011, student volunteers traveled to South Africa to begin and complete construction. 20-30 students worked with local laborers to learn from each other. The structure utilized local materials and resources, incorporated child-friendly amenities, utilized passive energy strategies, and exemplified environmentally adaptability and sustainability. Visit the website for more information on the Schoolhouse South Africa project: http://cusd.cornell.edu/ssa/