Research experiences in cooperation and sustainable development. The case of Baasneeré (Burkina Faso)
Mileto, Camillaa; Vegas López-Manzanares, Fernandoa; García-Soriano, Lidiaa and Gómez-Patrocinio, F. Javiera
aDepartment of Architectural Composition, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
Abstract:
This study is part of the research developed by the Res-Arquitectura group in the field of architectural heritage, particularly earthen heritage. As part of this, some research projects are focusing on international cooperation and the application of technology to guide human development successfully towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Funding provided by the ADSIDEO programme of the Centre for Development Cooperation at UPV has contributed to the “ConBurkina” research project, whose main aim is to provide technical support to the project set up by the “Algemesí Solidari” and “A3B” NGOs for the construction of a secondary school in the village of Baasneeré (Burkina Faso).
This project aims to combine scientific and technical knowledge to improve the constructive solutions for the school roofs. It focuses specifically on researching and developing an improved solution for the school vaults by building tile vaults using CEBs, more sustainable to produce and execute. The project also tries to promote building techniques with CEBs among the local residents so that they may appropriate these improving on their traditional adobe. This would lead to an improvement in their building technology, without having to abandon the use of local materials which are perfectly suitable for the local climate, and so encouraging sustainable resources as well as the maintenance and conservation of local heritage currently under threat from the introduction of modern materials.
Keywords: Earthen architecture; Cooperation projects; Compressed earth blocks; tile vaults; Burkina Faso