Pies Descalzos School
200best ES
El Equipo Mazzanti
2014
Type
School
Tags
learning environments, new ecological paradigm, spaces for youngsters, levers of change, 200Best
Visitability
Allowed
Description
The mega-school planned for the Pies Descalzos foundation and located in the Loma del Peye, in Cartagena, Colombia, aims to be an architectural and urban project with great social impact and to become a driving force for change for the inhabitants of the area and the city. This project was designed to optimise residents’ living conditions, generating alternatives for personal and community development, as well as to begin the transformation of its surroundings, becoming an urban landmark, a symbol of the city capable of generating a sense of ownership and pride. The design of the school was based on the use of sustainability concepts to ensure the comfort of its users, using as few resources as possible and integrating primary concepts such as spacial integration, social inclusion, the generation of a strong urban image and the use of bioclimatic and environmentally sustainable architecture.The architectural design of the project was conceived as a sequence of three interconnected hexagons, each defined by a two-level perimeter and a central courtyard for activities. The perimeter of the hexagons is as important as their inner empty space and the relationship to each other. While the hexagonal contours allow for perimeter circulation and house the specific classroom programme, the pergola-covered courtyards feature different tree species and native tropical vegetation that create a microclimate. This helps to define and suggest the activities to be carried out while its vertical configuration attracts native fauna and opens the door to ecological education. The image projected is that of an architecture of ownership, light and relaxed. From an urban planning point of view, the project features a two-sector controlled access: the first, for citizens and students; the second, for students only. The school also has strategic open and public areas that aim to connect the school with the surrounding neighbourhood. Instead of an isolated school, it was sought to develop an urban project that would encourage new neighbourhood activities through the school’s facilities, such as the library, playgrounds and multi-purpose room. (Description provided by El Equipo Mazzanti)