GUARDERIA ECOLOGICA LA MINA

Various design strategies and objectives guided the development of this modern school: to provide the children, while in the classrooms or in the playground, with the possibility of a constant visual connection with the ecology of their natural surroundings; to make the visual interaction between classrooms possible at the children's height level; to develop graphic patterns on selected surfaces which could contribute to identify the place and the buildings with its proposed use, and that could promote curiosity and intellectual stimulus through the different lectures. In this way, we have interpreted the wall as an instrument for playing and as a habitable space. At the same time we have adapted the public furniture to the necessities of use and play of children of different ages.

Several passive technologies for energy conservation employed through different project areas contribute to the notions of ecological architecture and sustainability. Some examples include: the buildings roofs, which will be implemented for rain water harvesting purposes; the recycling of demolished material and its reincorporation in the project; and the use of permeable pavement, among other strategies. In essence, we have strived to infuse the principles of sustainability in the building design, construction, and operation of the proposed nursery center, and also in the pedagogical experience. This project aspires to become Gold Certified by the US Green Building Council LEED program.