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Description submitted by the project team. At the heart of the urban crossroads of Sousse, Tunisia, the Sousse Polytechnic School stands as a symbol of educational progress, subtly blending elements of the geographical and urban context into an outstanding architectural design. Designed to accommodate up to 3,000 students, this institution sits on a 6,800 m² site, offering a harmonious integration between indoors and outdoors despite its relative modesty.
The central courtyard, formed by a vast mineral garden, serves as the focal point of the campus, allowing occupants to fully enjoy the outdoor space while encouraging social and academic interactions. The hallways, organized around this patio, echo the design of the great Tunisian medersas, emphasizing the importance of tradition in the design of the establishment.
Originally, the Sousse Polytechnic School encompassed a multidisciplinary engineering school and a school of architecture, symbolizing the fusion of complementary but often distinct disciplines. A strategically integrated bridge connects the spaces dedicated to architecture and those of the engineering school, reinforcing interdisciplinary cohesion and collaboration between students and faculties.
On the South and East facades, terracotta textures evoke local craftsmanship and are inspired by nearby potteries, symbolizing a deep connection between the architecture and its surrounding context. This subtle integration of tradition and modernity is also reflected in the school’s spatial organization, where the various functions of the campus are harmoniously intertwined to create a balanced architectural composition.
Furthermore, the metaphorical connection between the tradition of the great potteries of Kalaa Sghira and the cloisters that adorn the East and South facades of the university is particularly striking. These cloisters, meticulously crafted to regulate intense sunlight, pay homage to the intricate patterns and textures of traditional masonry work, creating a play of light and shadow reminiscent of the region’s artisanal heritage. Just as potteries have long been a source of inspiration and sustenance for the local community, the cloisters serve as a tangible link between past and present, tradition and innovation, within the architectural language of the Sousse Polytechnic School .
The Sousse Polytechnic School thus embodies an ambitious vision of the future of higher education in Tunisia, where tradition meets innovation to shape a dynamic and enriching learning experience. By pushing the boundaries of architectural design and embracing the cultural heritage of its surroundings, this institution is not only a beacon of academic excellence, but also a testament to the enduring legacy of the region’s craftsmanship and ingenuity.
