Escuela Victorica: Architecture For Learning That Is Harmonious With Its Context | Bachelors Design Project

Site Context

The project is located in Tigre, Buenos Aires, on a plot of land surrounded by vegetation and the river, offering a privileged natural environment. The site seeks to integrate the building with its context, taking advantage of the northward orientation and views toward the river. 

The school is designed to maximize natural light and create a constant connection with the surrounding nature. The program includes classrooms, common spaces such as the library and dining hall, as well as a multipurpose room and administrative modules. The spaces are organized to be flexible, allowing for fluid interaction between students and an adaptable learning environment.

Design Process

The design process began with a detailed analysis of the site, identifying key aspects such as orientation, views toward the river, and the relationship with the surrounding vegetation. From these studies, a concept was defined based on separate volumes that structure courtyards and open pathways. 

The layout of the spaces seeks to encourage interaction between users while maintaining a direct connection with the exterior. In parallel, wood was selected as the primary material, integrating sustainability and aesthetics into the structure of the project. During development, multiple sketches and physical models were created to explore the modulation of volumes and the flexibility of the spaces. Finally, the construction details and layout were adjusted to optimize energy efficiency and user comfort.

Final Outcome

The final result of the project is a school that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, taking advantage of the views and natural light. The layout of the school’s separate volumes creates a flexible design, where interconnected classrooms foster collaboration and interactive learning. Common spaces, such as the dining hall and library, were strategically located to maximize their connection with the outdoors. The choice of wood as a structural and expressive material gives the building a warm and natural atmosphere. 

The school is organized into volumes that structure courtyards and open pathways, blending with the landscape and enhancing its relationship with the river and natural light. The layout of the spaces fosters visual and environmental connection, allowing users to experience a bright environment in constant dialogue with the surrounding nature.

Wood, used both in the structure and in the aesthetic expression, reinforces the principles of sustainability and construction efficiency. This material not only optimizes energy efficiency but also provides warmth and a sense of closeness to the natural environment.

The precise modulation of the volumes and the controlled opening of the facades allow for the creation of flexible spaces. The interconnected classrooms encourage interaction and adaptability in the learning process, creating a dynamic environment that adapts to diverse pedagogical needs. Comprehensively, the school’s architecture presents itself as an essential, open space that is harmonious with its context. 

Conclusion: Overall, the project offers an educational environment that responds to both contemporary pedagogical needs and sustainability principles, creating a harmonious and functional space that adapts to its context.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]