The way the various elements are assembled to form a structure becomes apparent through the experience of moving within it. The organic nature of the space is revealed in a journey, each element of the building underscoring the school’s holistic coherence within its environment. Relating to the building, to the environment, is therefore not a fixed and static phenomenon but something evolving, flexible, natural, attentive to purpose and attributing qualities of adaptability and intrinsic intelligence to its different layers.
CRAFT AT THE HEART OF A NEW VISION
Right from the initial designs, this project involved close collaboration with the carpenter, paving the way for a detailed, ongoing dialogue with the craft professionals involved. The use of 3D technology brought together cutting-edge technology and age-old expertise, creating a new mode of collaboration and a shared language, moving beyond conventional practices to create innovative, inspirational solutions – in both technical and human terms.
Through this kind of close partnership the architect becomes more intimately involved in the physical production of the building, suggesting a new vision of architecture as a profession. This was the key to completing, in 3D, the complex 2D geometry developed in the 1980s, as well as solving the conundrum posed in 1986.
This construction of a complete new floor of classrooms was realised above a school that continued to operate as usual, the schedule of works arranged to synchronise with holidays and the rhythms of school life. The design of the new floor also took account of the surrounding landscape – a neighbourhood that had changed since the initial construction project. The new structure was made almost entirely of Swiss wood.
A PARTICIPATORY PROCESS
The students themselves took part in the construction process on a regular basis, with tours following the progress of the project at key phases, giving them an understanding of the project’s implementation. And so the entire project had an educational dimension; in itself it became an act of passing on knowledge to the next generation.
