Globally recognized for its multidisciplinary expertise, including educational projects, global architecture and design studio Perkins&Will created the new unit for the traditional Brazilian school Pueri Domus, in the Perdizes neighborhood, in São Paulo. The school was conceived to meet the contemporary teaching and learning needs.
Technological evolution and unlimited access to real time information have changed the way we consume content, especially the younger generations. The transformation has also created new needs for teaching and learning spaces. “Schools of the future have to stimulate creativity and interaction. Our project reaches this goal through spaces that promote well-being in a welcoming environment, as they also exercise focus”, explains architect Douglas Tolaine, Design Principal in Perkins&Will’s São Paulo studio.
The edifice is formed by two “wings”, connected by a translucent dome that covers bleachers where students, teachers and parents are received. “It is the heart of the project, where everything happens. In here people meet, interact, trade experiences and knowledge and even study or play between class breaks”, states Douglas. The dome also allows natural lighting to infiltrate the building and the view from the street while also securing privacy and protecting the indoors from insulation. “It creates a welcoming, pleasant ambient”, says Tolaine. “By nighttime, it transforms into an illuminated dome, standing out in the region”.
Classrooms in Pueri Domus Perdizes have transparent glass partitions. “The idea is to make the students comfortable with the external circulation during classes. It is a strategy to make them practice focus in a scenario where distraction is everywhere, with electronic devices and social media”, affirms Douglas. The design also counts with niches where students can focus in individual studies during class breaks.
Elementary to stimulate creativity, focus and relationships, well-being is the key in the project, that uses Biophilic Design to provide an even more efficient and interesting learning experience. The school has a pocket forest, created by landscaping firm Cardim Arquitetura Paisagística, that counts with native species from the Atlantic Forest, “The greenery aims to improve thermal conditions while also working as an outdoor classroom, promoting direct and real connection with nature”, explains Douglas. The forest also enhances the surroundings, extending the well-being experience to the school’s neighbors.
The school was designed and built in record time: 11 months. The mission was accomplished thanks to the use of metallic structure, which not only allowed faster and cleaner construction, but also creating larger spans, favoring natural lighting and ventilation. The wooded brise-soleis also collaborate with this feature while giving the façade a modern visual, making the edifice stand out in the region.
