A barren area has been designated as a location for the new community school, a fusion of several existing organizations. Young children spend their earliest years here. From baby to teenager, there is a world of memories to be collected here. The road to school, the space of the square, the shelter and hiding places, the colors of the light, the smells and the trees, the buildings around. The story of the school is endless, with many nuances and differences, but still a recognizable tale to former classmates in their adult years. An oasis to return to. The design of this school is the carrier of these memories.
The design is context-sensitive and based on the local conditions, the program of requirements, the ground and the environment, the climate conditions like the trade wind, the harvesting of the scarce rainwater, the history and the future, the here and now, the building physics, the construction method and the materials in the tropical climate. The design connects all layers, both urban development and architecture.
The urban plan. The climate plays an important role here. Built obstacles in the main wind direction of the east trade wind cause unpleasant turbulence; Narrow passages for enhanced airflow. The buildings are generally oriented east-west, with the east trade winds. The building physics phenomena then help to create a pleasant (indoor) climate and pleasant playgrounds around the building. In the spacious areas in between, the wind is tempered with trees. Tamarinds and divi-divis provide a light air flow, cooling and sun-protection. The building blocks within the elliptical square create well-organized enclosed spaces. The scorching sun plays tricks on the east and especially the west side. These are the facades that are heated the most by the ascending and descending sun. Due to the orientation of the buildings, east-west oriented blocks, these facades have only short and small exposures to the direct sunlight.
The complete presentation is available on request, verbal explanations added if required.