At 93 years old, renowned French architect and designer Marc Held has completed one of his most meaningful projects: the Earth Center School in the village of Samba Dia, Senegal. The kindergarten, built using bio-sourced materials, represents the culmination of a career dedicated to bringing balance and joy to construction in an often unstable world. This project stands as a testament to Held's unwavering commitment to building with both whimsy and rigorous precision.
The Earth Center School in Senegal represents what Held considers his magnum opus, a project of major importance that embodies his lifelong philosophy of construction. For the 93-year-old architect, this undertaking is a fulfilled promise that demonstrates his belief in the power of transmission and rigorously joyful educational methods. The school was delivered in 2024, marking another milestone in Held's distinguished career spanning over five decades.
As with all of Held's endeavors, this project is fundamentally collective in nature, emphasizing community involvement and collaborative effort. The architect's approach to the Senegalese school project reflects his broader philosophy that construction should serve not just functional needs but also inspire and educate. The kindergarten serves the local community while showcasing sustainable building practices using environmentally friendly materials.
The project is featured as part of a five-part interview series titled "Marc Held, Exalted Architect," produced by Sylvie Gouttebaron for France Culture's "À voix nue" podcast program. The 28-minute episode, broadcast on Friday, November 14, 2025, explores Held's passion for building and his dedication to educational architecture. The series delves into various aspects of his career, from his early work to his current projects that continue to demonstrate his innovative approach to design and architecture.
Held's extensive bibliography includes several notable publications documenting his work and philosophy. His recent book "Samba Dia. The Earth Center School" was published by Norma editions in 2024, providing detailed insights into this groundbreaking project. Other significant works include "Let's Dream of Another City" (Parenthèses editions, 2022), "Marc Held. 50 Years of Design" by Michèle Champenois (Norma editions, 2014), and "Houses of Skopelos. A Treatise on Vernacular Architecture" (Reprotime editions, Thessalonica, 1994), which features a preface by Jack Lang and was published in French, English, and Greek editions.
The Earth Center School project exemplifies Held's lifelong dedication to creating architecture that serves communities while respecting local materials and traditions. His work in Senegal demonstrates how sustainable construction methods can be combined with innovative design to create educational spaces that inspire learning and community engagement. At 93, Held continues to prove that age is no barrier to creative vision and meaningful contribution to architectural discourse.
