Atelier Gando
Ongoing
2014-
Kéré Foundation e.V., Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio
Atelier Gando is both an idea and an evolving reality. Its aim is two-fold: to provide a space for the community in and around Gando to develop skills in various building techniques, and to foster experimentation and exchange with visiting craftspeople, architects, researchers and students.
The project was initially conceived as a building providing workshop spaces, temporary lodging for students and workers, and storage for tools and materials. The main structure will be built entirely out of clay, traditionally the main construction material in the region, but with notable innovations such as perforated walls, and its ambitious height of almost seven metres setting it apart as a visible landmark.
Construction was started in 2014 by the community of Gando, in collaboration with students from the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio in the form of a six-week workshop. During this time, both students and members of the community acquired knowledge through hands-on experience. Central to this first stage of the project is the importance of the building process itself and the principle of “learning by doing”. The construction site is treated as a laboratory for testing materials and ideas, the loose floorplan leaving room for adjustment and adaptation.
Since then Atelier Gando has continued to expand and evolve, with a variety of spin-off projects supported by the Kéré Foundation e.V, exploring both traditional and innovative construction materials and methods.
Atelier Gando is both an idea and an evolving reality. Its aim is two-fold: to provide a space for the community in and around Gando to develop skills in various building techniques, and to foster experimentation and exchange with visiting craftspeople, architects, researchers and students.
The project was initially conceived as a building providing workshop spaces, temporary lodging for students and workers, and storage for tools and materials. The main structure will be built entirely out of clay, traditionally the main construction material in the region, but with notable innovations such as perforated walls, and its ambitious height of almost seven metres setting it apart as a visible landmark.
Construction was started in 2014 by the community of Gando, in collaboration with students from the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio in the form of a six-week workshop. During this time, both students and members of the community acquired knowledge through hands-on experience. Central to this first stage of the project is the importance of the building process itself and the principle of “learning by doing”. The construction site is treated as a laboratory for testing materials and ideas, the loose floorplan leaving room for adjustment and adaptation.
Since then Atelier Gando has continued to expand and evolve, with a variety of spin-off projects supported by the Kéré Foundation e.V, exploring both traditional and innovative construction materials and methods.
