SOS Children’s Village Tadjourah: A Medina for the Future Location: Tadjourah, Djibouti

Located in one of the hottest places on Earth, the SOS Children's Village in Tadjourah is a masterclass in passive cooling. Designed by Urko Sanchez Architects, the compound rejects Western layouts in favor of a traditional "Medina" typology. By using narrow, shaded alleyways and distinctive "wind catcher" towers, the village protects its young residents from the harsh climate without relying on energy-intensive air conditioning.

A Fortress Against the Sun

Tadjourah sits on the Horn of Africa, notorious for recording some of the highest temperatures in history. Building here requires more than just shelter; it requires a strategy for survival. Urko Sanchez Architects approached this challenge by looking backward to look forward, adopting the ancient, climate-responsive layout of the Medina.

Designed for an international NGO to house orphaned and vulnerable children, the project is a "walled quarter" that feels less like an institution and more like a safe, organic neighborhood.

The Vision: Community in the Alleys

The design prioritizes the social needs of a nomadic culture where life happens outdoors. The Medina Typology: The compound is a tight-knit cluster of 15 houses. The narrow streets between them are not just paths; they are shaded social spaces that open up into small squares for communal activities and play. Car-Free Safety: By keeping cars completely outside the walls, the entire village becomes a safe playground for children. The interstitial spaces, the "nooks and crannies", are designed for games, gathering, and the organic surveillance of the SOS mothers.

Tectonics: Catching the Wind

The architecture is a machine for natural ventilation. Wind Towers: The most iconic visual element of the village is the "wind catcher tower." These chimney-like structures rise above the roofs to snag the breeze and funnel it down into the interiors, creating a constant, refreshing airflow even on still days. Passive Cooling: The narrow alleyways are oriented to act as ventilation corridors, speeding up the air. Large openings (often doorless to encourage flow) are shielded by "musharabiyah" screens, allowing air and partial visibility while maintaining privacy. Materiality: To reflect the intense sun, the buildings are finished in a pale, earthy cement ("Cemcrete") that blends into the arid landscape. The construction used simple, low-budget materials like reinforced concrete and precast cement blocks, proving that high-performance design doesn't require high-tech materials.

The Living Building: Green and Self-Sufficient

Despite the aridity, the project is designed to bloom. Communal Greenery: Residents are encouraged to care for plants within the network of open spaces. Over time, these trees will grow to provide a microclimate of shade and cool air. Solar Independence: Taking advantage of the relentless sun, the village is equipped for self-sufficient photovoltaic electricity production, ensuring that the lights stay on even when the grid struggles.

Data Sheet

Project: SOS Children’s Village Tadjourah

Location: Tadjourah, Djibouti

Architect: Urko Sanchez Architects

Completion Year: 2011

Typology: Humanitarian Housing / Education

Key Materials: Precast Cement Blocks, Reinforced Concrete, Cemcrete

Climate Strategy: Passive Ventilation, Wind Towers, Shading

Photographs: Javier Callejas / Urko Sanchez Architects