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Article from issue 6/2008 »Simple Forms of Constructions«

Central Market in Koudougou - a Participatory Project in Earth Construction

discussion p. 589 - 594
Author Séchaud, Laurent |

Drafts
1:200 Sections
1:2500 Site plan
1:800 Cross-section

The application of simple local construction techniques for the central market in Koudougou, the third largest city in Burkina Faso, demonstrates the superior attributes of a vernacular material in response to the climatic challenges of the region. In addition to which, it can also be seen just how tamped mud-bricks can be implemented for a truly intricate architecture of vaults, domes and arches.
A total of 1155 shops in 125 buildings have been created, as well as 624 market stands in a market hall measuring 3000 square metres.
The utilisation of mud-bricks in this participatory project allowed the importation of costly building materials to be kept to a minimum, while long-term employment and training opportunities were made available for many local workers.