tall ventilation towers form kéré architecture's kenyan education campus

located on the banks of lake turkana, kenya, the ‘startup lions campus’ by kéré architecture takes its cues from the towering mounds built by termite colonies in the region. the education building is topped with tall ventilation towers that naturally cool its interiors while creating a landmark in the surroundings. set over two levels that follow the site’s natural slope, the campus is built out of locally sourced quarry stone with a plaster finish.all images by kinan deeb for kéré architecture

kéré architecture’s ‘startup lions campus’ is an information and communication technologies (ICT) campus that responds to the pressing challenge of youth unemployment faced in the region. it offers high-level training and access to international job opportunities, allowing young entrepreneurs to thrive professionally without having to leave their place of origin. the project provides 100 new workstations and is the first step in an ambitious vision of spreading ICT networks in remote areas.

‘from the very beginning the project has had collaborative building and learning at its heart. we had imagined an educational facility that blended with the striking natural landscape that surrounds it, mirroring the ingenious structures built by the terminates close by. it is a special honour for me and my team to have been able to provide the shape for this incredible educational facility and I am looking forward to how it may expand and most importantly see its students succeed.’ notes francis kéré.

the architecture of the campus celebrates the unique morphology and natural beauty of its site, while creating a new landmark for the area. extensive roof terraces shaded by creeping vegetation offer expansive views over lake turkana and provide pleasant outdoor meeting spaces and opportunities for the informal exchange of ideas. drawing from the region’s termite mounds, the tall ventilation towers create a stack effect to naturally cool the main working spaces by extracting warm air upwards. meanwhile, fresh air is introduced through specially designed low-level openings. this system allows the campus to withstand high temperatures and is especially well suited as it prevents dust from damaging the equipment.

‘in choosing which materials and construction techniques to use, ecological sustainability, cost and availability factors were weighed to arrive at the best compromise,’ explains the team at kéré architecture. ‘collaboration with the local community was key in this decision-making process, drawing from their experience and expertise.’

‘looking at these magnificent buildings I am excited that I was able to be part of this project. I have known termites as hardworking and destructive at the same time, but I never thought that they could potentially inspire a world renowned architect to get us this great piece of architecture. the startup lions campus is a landmark building that will provide a home to learn, earn and innovate for generations to come!’ says brizan were, co-founder of learning lions.