We wanted to design a pre-school focusing all our attention on 3 points due to the special requirements and the location:
CLIMATE PROGRAM MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION TECHNICS
We started the process of design analysing the prototype of pavilion mostly used in previous competitions for African schools or kindergartens.
We give new technical responses to the climate: from the basic rectangular-shape to more sophisticated classroom type considering 3 climate conditions: heat, rain and proper ventilation. We wanted to make a step forward and start understanding the school as a whole but not a disperse model of pavilions.
We are to avoid duplicities, grouping the classrooms according to age and physical characteristics of the kids ”under the same roof”. We are facing a special case, a kindergarten / preschool that will host all kinds of kids with seclusion problems or physical disabilities
Our offer is 2 Pavilions for new born and babies of 0-1year old and toddlers of 2-3-4-5 year old. Kids’ basic walking abilities defined the program, in addition to that there is one extra pavilion with other functions. Our classes don’t follow a “standard type” of classrooms where desks and chairs face the professor’s table and blackboard. So, we create a flexible space under the same roof that can be combined with other rooms or isolated from them being in contact with nature all time while having the feeling of shelter.
3 materials and 2 elements represent the project and the construction. THE COOLING GALLERY AND THE MODULE
THE MODULE A very easy-built system that can be modified according to the special needs of the place. An empty void formed by additions of modules provides with the space for classrooms or another use and also guarantees a comfort conditions in it: permanent shadow, openings on the roof for scaping the heat, control of natural light through celosia, a wind tower to put new air inside and a water gutter and roofed system. Wooden structure and palm leaf play as main materials. A solar panel will be located on the top to provide with electricity for the fans and lights.
COOLING GALLERY
It s a perimeter of the building working as a playground for kids and at the same time performs as natural AC lowing the temperature that is passing through, having a high comfort level inside the classroom.
The idea is to create a blur solid limit that provides with shelter and offers a playground in contact with the outside courtyards. We intended to create "hide-out", a mysterious world where kids can play, hide, relax or simply learn how to walk.
2 layers of ground and compressed bricks with openings all along create a permanent shadow on place that protects the building from the wind and let some pass inside and cool it..
