Friday, February 4, 2011

School Center Paredes Alenquer : By André Espinho Arquitectura

Allanquer, Portugal
André Espinho Arquitectura
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong 
Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra
The School Center has been designed to accommodate around 600 children, from the ages of three to nine. Within the school, the children are divided by the 1st cycle, kindergarten and ATL (Leisure Activities). The first floor consists of administration areas, service and a reception for parents whilst the ground floor contains a gymnasium and the majority of the school classrooms, with a direct link to the playgrounds (both covered and uncovered).
Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra
Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra
School Center Paredes is composed of a white volume resting on four black volumes, thus marking the separation between floors. The majority of the project works around the creation of three patios/playgrounds and the relationship of the building with the slope of the existing ground. Contact with the outside was key to this project, with the organisation and shape of the interior space allowing all circulations to enjoy a large amount of natural light. By including a number of covered outdoor spaces, the building now provides excellent leisure facilities for children in all seasons. Several wall paintings in the playgrounds and atriums were carried out by artists invited by the designer in an attempt to enrich the interior space.
Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra
One of the original wall hangings was created by Conceição Espinho and Teresa Magalhães. Built in three major areas, (water, earth and sky) it involves a female figure walking and pushing a cart with a child. This is said to symbolise travel and that she will get to know and face the world that awaits her.
Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Photo © Courtesy of FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

floor plans--drawing Courtesy of André Espinho Arquitectura

elevation 01--drawing Courtesy of André Espinho Arquitectura

elevation 02--drawing Courtesy of André Espinho Arquitectura

elevation 03--drawing Courtesy of André Espinho Arquitectura
The people
Architects: André Espinho Arquitectura
Location: Allanquer, Portugal
Project team: André Espinho, Bruno Mendes, Miguel Henriques, Marco Correia
Project area: 6,700 sqm
Project year: 2004 – 2009
Photographs: FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra