Matos Gameiro arquitectos . atelier Bugio . renders: © LAMB3D
The strategy for this project is based upon the creation of a patio that becomes the centre of the school – a 60x60m quadrangular space, defined by an elevated volume with two floors, which emphasizes the set of trees that already exist and will be preserved. This group Platanus is therefore reinvented, acquiring a new and intense essence and providing shadow while framing the patio. In other occasions, the trees’ foliage will create a vibrant and indirect reflexion of the light into the classrooms, contributing to a lively, favourable atmosphere and a warm reassuring environment.
If the patio is to become the new centre of the school and therefore the main playground area and distribution of the building that opens towards the community, the school becomes the new urban centre of this area. Having in mind the design of the school building and its permeability, when necessary, the central patio may develop into a neighbourhood square. In this situation the patio may communicate with the adjoining streets, producing an open public space that connects the school’s activities further into the community.
When this situation happens the patio’s introspective character and design will still guarantee a level of privacy and the autonomy of the teaching spaces, being a noticeable advantage for the building management and safety control. The intimate character of the central patio positively reinforces, by opposition, the widest areas of the park and pine forest, allowing a deeper connection with nature and the engagement of outdoor sport activities, enhancing the use of these areas by the community.
The configuration of the allotment and the design of the building enables a clear and simple physical separation between the central volume connected to the patio and the other areas, allowing an effortless opening of the sports and art areas to the community. Taking this into consideration it is clear to say that the organization of events are open to everyone in a simplified manner and that this part of the enclosure can be used by the community when the school is not open.
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International Competition (First Prize).
architecture
Pedro Matos Gameiro (Matos Gameiro arquitectos), João Favila Menezes (atelier Bugio)
landscape architecture
Filipa Menezes
structures
João Paulo Cardoso (PRPC engenheiros)
hidraulics / acoustic
José Rosendo
electrical engeneering / fireproofing concept
Fernando Correia
HVAC air treatment / thermal conditioning
Mário Boucinha
design team
Miguel Feijóo, Teresa Mateus
rendering
LAMB3D
project year
2019
