7. Nursery School
This is a competition proposal for a nursery school on an empty lot in the northern outskirts of Prato, Italy. The program calls for spaces for initially three and eventually six groups of 30 children in the ages 3-5.
The design proposes an open and multi-sensorial but scalable world of enhanced environments in which children can explore, discover and play, but also feel safe, identify and reflect. The incremental use of scale (class, group of classes, building, world) is considered both spatially and experientially. Each space is part of, and inextricably linked to a larger whole.
The building is composed of a series of carefully defined curvilinear spaces tied together under a large penetrable roof, a pergola. As the child’s mind develops, fluid spaces enhance the urge for exploration and the discovery of relations. The abstraction of the geometry stimulates imagination. Large, bright, open spaces and darker, more intimate places are generated through (movable) walls, curtains and furniture.
Apart from connecting the interior, the exterior area is also a place to play, explore and investigate. In this space one finds oneself surrounded by a plethora of shadows, colors and plants. Recessed through three small steps part of this field becomes a theater, a boat or a volcano.
Instead of merely deploying sustainable strategies as a technical exercise, nature is an integral and crucial part of the projects proposition. The design fuses use and environment, making it a central part of the educational program. The creation of a micro-climate through a combination of constructed and organic materials emphasizes at an early age ones interrelationship with a complex system, in which balanced cycles generate life. A large pergola ties the various programs together - at once filtering the climate as well as amplifying the environmental conditions. The permeable roof reduces the impact of harsh summer days and protects from rain and wind. It can be climbed upon and holds swings and slides.
As the program is divided into smaller portions, the climate can be dealt with locally. The curvilinear shapes that separate these portions funnel a natural draft from the predominant wind direction providing passive cooling in the summer. The solid walls are situated such that they block most direct sun in summer. Their large thermal mass tempers the seasonal temperature swings. The pergola allows for ample daylight light to come into the classrooms, reducing the need for electrical light, while blocking any direct sun.
A planted green roof covers the interior spaces. It reduces the heat loads on the building and of the roofing membrane, thus doubling its life expectancy. The roof retains rainwater, reducing the requirement for the drainage pond and minimizing storm drain requirements. By respirating the retained water, they cool the roof and surrounding air significantly. Its mass provides substantial noise insulation.
The roof will be planted with regional plants, allowing for more biological diversity witch provides an experimental site for the children to view the natural process of sustainable design. In spring the building blossoms.
