Site Vision & Design
Centered in community
A central, accessible location was a key consideration during the planning and development of the Liberian Learning Center. The site is adjacent to Paynesville City Hall in an active plaza with multiple structures, including a municipal court, civic services, and as sociated parking. The three phases of the Center will function in unison and will be connected using exterior walkways.
The multi-phase approach to the development of the Liberian Learning Center not only acts as a tool to ensure successive phases are responsive and adaptive to lessons and outcomes from the preceding phase, but also allows for the Center to have fully active, funded, and operational buildings and activities before the entire project is completed.
CONSTRUCTION WITH A CONSCIENCE
Tri Buchanan Development Corporation is leading the construction of the Liberian Learning Center. Based in Liberia, and with over 100 years of international business and construction experience among company leaders, the organization is diversely capable in architecture, construction, project management, transportation, and logistics.
Partner and Managing Director Bleejay Innis was born in Buchanan, Liberia and grew up in Monrovia for most of his early childhood before escaping the country with his family during the nation’s civil war. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he received a B.A. in International Business and attained his Masters at Georgetown University in Global Real Estate Studies and Development. Bleejay gained extensive experience working with leading firms in the USA before returning to Liberia to help lead the growth of Tri Buchanan Development and to help rebuild his home country.
Project Exterior
The front entrance of Phase 1 of the Liberian Learning Center connects to the plaza to maximize its accessibility and community presence. The architecture complements the surrounding urban environment, creating visual interest while being respectful of neighbouring architecture. Phase 1’s exterior form and design strikes a careful balance between modern elegance and traditional design. Wood accents and large glass windows complement the building’s exterior masonry walls and allow visibility into the building’s courtyard, conveying a sense of warmth and accessibility.
The climate of Liberia plays a critical role in the design of the Center. The sloped roof forms a large, striking south-facing architectural feature that will harvest solar energy and rainwater. A separate structure sits beside the main structure with a shared roof; this area holds the water storage tanks and the washroom facilities.
Open public areas are protected by large wooden overhangs and are located to the east to allow for diffused daylight with limited solar heat gain. Materials for the construction are sourced locally whenever possible, stimulating the local economy and ensuring a long-term abundance of materials for future maintenance and replacement needs.
PROJECT EXTERIOR
The front entrance of Phase 1 of the Liberian Learning Center connects to the plaza to maximize its accessibility and community presence. The architecture complements the surrounding urban environment, creating visual interest while being respectful of neighbouring architecture. Phase 1’s exterior form and design strikes a careful balance between modern elegance and traditional design. Wood accents and large glass windows complement the building’s exterior masonry walls and allow visibility into the building’s courtyard, conveying a sense of warmth and accessibility.
The climate of Liberia plays a critical role in the design of the Center. The sloped roof forms a large, striking south-facing architectural feature that will harvest solar energy and rainwater. A separate structure sits beside the main structure with a shared roof; this area holds the water storage tanks and the washroom facilities.
Open public areas are protected by large wooden overhangs and are located to the east to allow for diffused daylight with limited solar heat gain. Materials for the construction are sourced locally whenever possible, stimulating the local economy and ensuring a long-term abundance of materials for future maintenance and replacement needs.
Innovative Canadian architects mcCallumSather have been leading the design process of the Liberian Learning Center since its inception. They have taken a thoughtful and contextual approach to designing all elements of the Center.
PROJECT INTERIOR
The internal functions of Phase 1 provide a flexible combination of open and secure places designed to support the needs of a diverse set of programs and activities. The most active programs, such as the children’s reading room, are positioned toward the north and quiet areas for concentration are located further south, away from the road and the plaza.
Wide-open public areas are afforded high ceilings, abundant daylight and natural ventilation, while study rooms and offices provide more enclosed spaces for focused learning. At the heart of the Center is a central circulation desk positioned near the main entrance, intended to be a highly visible feature element that conveys a sense of welcome and engagement.
Project Interior
The internal functions of Phase 1 provide a flexible combination of open and secure places designed to support the needs of a diverse set of programs and activities. The most active programs, such as the children’s reading room, are positioned toward the north and quiet areas for concentration are located further south, away from the road and the plaza.
Wide-open public areas are afforded high ceilings, abundant dayl ight and natural ventilation, while study rooms and offices provide more enclosed spaces for focused learning. At the heart of the Center is a central circulation desk positioned near the main e ntrance, intended to be a highly visible feature element that conveys a sense of welcome and engagement.
A Systems Approach
Complementary passive and active systems allow Phase 1 to reduce load usage, increase resilience, and respond to the unique factors of its context, which include intermittent access to electricity and water services, high temperatures, and abundant sunlight.
