Khan al-Ahmar School
A proposal envisions a dynamic structure that evolves over time, reflecting the ability of
a group to settle depending on the political obligations.
Archstorming & Wallah We Can. In collaboration with African Future institute, Oshinowo studio, Elemental, Counter space, Faber. Architects , Amer Abu Matar Studio.
Team
Mohammed Mohammed
Chistian Loutfi
The West Bank faces systematic demolition of homes and public buildings — including schools. For communities like Khan Al Ahmar, education is frequently interrupted by demolition orders, displacement, and the lack of permanent infrastructure. This project proposes a mobile school system designed to survive instability:
a structure that can be built, dismantled, relocated, and rebuilt with minimal tools.
Khan Al Ahmar is home to the Bedouin Jahalin tribe, displaced from the Naqab desert in the 1950s.
The chosen site respects:
- Existing village layout
- Minimal ground disturbance
- Climatic orientation
- Simple access for community and assembly teams
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The architectural question:
How do we build a school that can continue existing even when its physical form is removed?
The mobile school evolves through three phases:
The school is imagined as a structure that can live in different states, depending on the moment’s urgency.
In its first state, it functions as an immediate shelter that can be built within hours.
As circumstances allow, it becomes partially enclosed, gaining better ventilation control and shading.
In its most developed state, it transforms into a fully enclosed classroom using earth-based walls and upgraded roof membranes.
This gradual transformation is not a sequence in time; it is a strategy for survival.
- The system lets the school adapt based on resources, safety, and legal pressure.
Immediate shelter, ultra-light, fast assembly.
Partial enclosure, improved climate control, stronger spatial definition.
Full classroom enclosure with earth-based walls and upgraded roof membranes.
Construction System & Components
The system relies on a vocabulary of simple components: steel tube arches, adjustable connectors, tension cables, lightweight roof membranes, and wall panels made from earth-based materials. Foundation stones are gathered from the site itself, allowing the structure to be anchored without concrete.
Every part can be carried by hand, transported in small vehicles, and assembled without machinery. Mobility becomes the architecture’s main protection.
Assembly and Structure
The exploded axonometric drawing reveals how the elements come together. The arches form the primary skeleton, the membranes provide climate protection, and the wall give the classroom its identity and warmth. The structure is both open and sheltered, light and grounded.
The exploded axonometric drawing reveals how the elements come together. The arches form the primary skeleton, the membranes provide climate protection, and the wall give the classroom its identity and warmth. The structure is both open and sheltered, light and grounded.
Architectural Expression
The façades are textured with earth pigments and decorated with drawings made by local children. The architecture becomes a canvas for cultural symbols, personal stories, and the pride of a community that insists on learning despite everything.
The façades are textured with earth pigments and decorated with drawings made by local children. The architecture becomes a canvas for cultural symbols, personal stories, and the pride of a community that insists on learning despite everything.
Spatial Organization
The plan arranges clusters of classrooms around shared open spaces, creating a small educational village. Circulation follows the natural terrain, and shaded outdoor areas encourage gathering, storytelling, and play. Even the sanitation unit is designed using the same modular logic, allowing it to be relocated if required.
The plan arranges clusters of classrooms around shared open spaces, creating a small educational village. Circulation follows the natural terrain, and shaded outdoor areas encourage gathering, storytelling, and play. Even the sanitation unit is designed using the same modular logic, allowing it to be relocated if required.
Everyday Life
modules, teachers move freely between open and enclosed spaces, and the building blends into the desert with its soft curves and earthen texture.
Inside, the arched structure creates a warm learning environment filled with filtered daylight. The atmosphere is calm, simple, and huma
modules, teachers move freely between open and enclosed spaces, and the building blends into the desert with its soft curves and earthen texture.
Inside, the arched structure creates a warm learning environment filled with filtered daylight. The atmosphere is calm, simple, and huma
This project is a response to a political reality, but it is also a celebration of resilience. It is a school that can disappear before it is demolished, and reappear once the danger has passed.
A mobile architecture that protects the right to learn — not through permanence, but through adaptability.
A mobile architecture that protects the right to learn — not through permanence, but through adaptability.
Download A1 Pdf
Download project description PDF