Lá Fora: anteprojeto de uma Escola Infantil e Fundamental Montessori com abordagem biofílica

Abstract

This Completion of Course Master degree Paper consisting of an architectural draft, consisting of a technical report, involves an innovative technical project for a Montessori preschool and elementary school. Inserted in a dense urban context, in which, to comply with construction legislation, there is little free space, schools, even private ones, generally, have a deficit of free space. When they exist, they are often disconnected from the built space. Taking into account the aesthetic, pedagogical, but also basic strategic potential of energy and environmental comfort, bringing landscaping back to the school building – initially –, confirming its value and relevance for environmental comfort conditions, is the difference of this proposal. The question is: Could scholar architecture promote contact with nature through its open spaces? This work aims to provide a Montessori kindergarten and elementary school with an emphasis on Biophilic Landscaping and environmental comfort, considering the problem of the lack of open spaces in the schools from Natal - RN. To develop the project, an initial theoretical-conceptual deepening of the topic was carried out, through bibliographical research and studies of design references (precedents or correlates). Then, the architectural programming was developed, defining dilemmas and project goals. From this base, and with the help of the course's curricular components, the design process was, gradually, developed and mapped, through different forms of recording, from the initial stages of conditioning studies, conception and development of the architectural design. The results achieved consist, of the Preliminary Study of the Essência Montessori: Infant and Elementary School, in which structures and spatial relationships were defined aiming to maximize integration with free space, targeting environmental conditions, dilemmas, goals and specificities of the school project. As a result, large and integrated learning rooms, an abundance of green spaces, space to run and play and a vegetable garden were obtained, final characteristics of the project that meet the objectives set. It was not possible to detail all leisure areas on a microscale; however, priority areas for the project were detailed: Playground, Balcony of Arts and Lagoons. The architectural project requires more time in detail to understand the dynamics and activities of the school; however, it is possible to perceive the proposed tree structure and density pattern. Comfort strategies are related to maximizing afforestation – aiming for shading and the cross ventilation of buildings –, for permeable soil covering – seeking to facilitate drainage and reduce heat reflectance –, to the distance between classroom blocks – targeting to maximize ventilation and improve connection with the outside –, to the staggered implementation of classrooms and the remoteness of the sports/active leisure sector from the quiet zone required by teaching and by work. Finally, the importance of landscaping for environmental comfort strategies is highlighted.