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Architects: PLAN Arquitectos
- Area: 9717 m²
- Year: 2005
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Photographs:Pablo Blanco Barros
Text description provided by the architects. The architectural proposal emphasizes community and school life integration, as the public architecture must be a meeting point between the spatial relationship of the interior and the context of the urban landscape. In order to achieve this, the building proposes a double height covered porch, marked by diagonal props, which programmatically divides the educational spaces. The public spaces for the community are arranged on the first level, in a way that visually links the interior of the structure with the urban life.
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This architectural program has an advantage over typical educational facilities in that it is a technical education center for the community. The center includes wood working and cooking workshops, which are both very important activities for the community.
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Having a public space opposite the main façade entrance undoubtedly provides a space for new uses, as the square is unveiled beside the principal one. The square helps to create a place of support for the activities of the auditorium and library, which are not only a part of the educational establishment, but are also a part of the community and can be enjoyed on the weekends. The triangular entrance site plan is reinforced with architectural elements such as a high roof, diagonal props and urban design elements including road surfaces, benches and lighting.
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The nature of the inner terrain height differences were a critical factor for the interior courts proposal. Thus, the courts, which include the access, play and civic courts are designed in ascending levels, structuring the building in a simple and clear way.
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On the other hand, and as a response to the current importance of energy usage, the building’s heating system rests on a sawdust biomass boiler, as wood is a plentiful resource in this area. It consists of organic waste material of high power and low cost. This notably contributes to Lyceum equipment sustainability.
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Also, it is important to point out that the building did not suffer structural damages after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in February, 2010 (even though it is located only a few kilometers from the epicenter).
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