Marina Rosa

The outside volume of the school – unified and solid – was a statement defined from the get-go. As it is normally the case for public schools in Sao Paulo, security was an essential requirement. However, having a closed building envelope and bringing it nearer to the site limits, allowed the design to partially suppress the usual perimeter walls and create an entrance bay where parents and students could meet in a public space.

From this entrance, one can access the central courtyard of the building and, only then, fully understand the organization of its program. What is seen from the outside as one large building, are two blocks set in different levels to conform to the natural sloped terrain. The courtyard is the social space; it also provides light and connects the two built volumes. Classrooms and other student’s facilities are in the lower building, while the more elevated one hosts the sports gymnasium and administrative facilities. The gymnasium and offices can also be accessed by an independent entrance and may function even when the school is closed. Again, by considering the security concerns in the early stages of concept, the design was able to bring the school closer to the community. Over the gym, the roof lantern brings in diffuse sunlight during the day and, illuminated during the night, can be seen as a lighthouse for the neighbourhood.