Complement and Continuity
The proposed architectural project, encompassing the basic, middle, and college education levels, is conceived as a complementary extension of the existing early education (pre-K and elementary) building on the site. The aim is to establish a coherent and harmonious dialogue between the existing structure and the new one. To achieve this, particular attention has been paid to dimensions, heights, and internal functional configurations, ensuring not only a visual or aesthetic continuity but also operational and functional integration.
2. Frame
The building is conceived from within as a large window opening onto the spectacular view of the Chicureo valley. From the outside, it presents itself as a grand threshold or «gateway to knowledge» that invites entry. Two parallel pavilions follow the natural slope of the land, separated by a stepped courtyard measuring 50 meters in width and 60 meters in length, containing a lush internal garden. At its far end, the space is crowned by a bridge-like volume that defines the upper frame of the threshold.
3. Oasis
The building is organized around a central courtyard, where a landscaped garden composed of both native and well-adapted exotic vegetation provides not only high aesthetic value but also contributes to energy efficiency. The landscape design strategically combines deciduous and evergreen species, optimizing thermal performance across seasons. Additionally, the use of native plant species—some of which are ecologically significant—creates a self-sustaining ecosystem with minimal water requirements, supporting biodiversity by fostering favorable conditions for local fauna and insect life. This ecological value allows for potential sustainability certification of the green areas.
The layout and selection of vegetation also consider the practical needs of teachers, students, and families, positioning the landscape as an educational and formative resource integral to the school’s pedagogical mission.
4. Presence
The building presents a bold and expressive image. It adapts gently to the site’s topography, rising in height towards the west-facing frontage, where a 14-meter-high prism crowns the complex. This monumental portico becomes the school’s main façade, embodying institutional identity with a formal expression of balance, strength, openness, and transparency. From within, the stepped courtyard offers constant views towards the distant landscape, anchoring the building to its broader context.
5. Austerity
The architectural expression is modern and contemporary—devoid of ornamentation or superfluous elements, with every component serving a specific function. For example, the northern façades, which accommodate circulation corridors, are protected by precast concrete brise-soleil elements to mitigate solar radiation. In contrast, the southern façades are glazed to generously illuminate the classrooms. Diagonal structural elements on the façades introduce dynamism and serve as bracing members for the building.
The suspended bridge volume is constructed in steel, distinguishing itself from the rest of the complex due to its lighter character. Its steel cladding features ribbed profiles designed to dissipate heat and prevent overheating of the west façade.
Materials are carefully selected for their durability, low maintenance, and cost-efficiency (within 25 UF/m²). These include cast-in-place and precast concrete, glass, and steel—each chosen based on long-term performance and minimal upkeep requirements.
6. Sustainability
Chicureo’s climate is more extreme than other areas of the city, with significant temperature variations between summer and winter. In response, the building is designed to remain cool and comfortable during summer without relying on mechanical air conditioning systems, while in winter it promotes heat retention to minimize heating demands.
Parallel building wings facilitate cross-ventilation through thermal differentials. Classrooms are oriented towards the south to maximize the use of natural daylight while avoiding direct solar glare.
7. Program
The program is structured around two main courtyards: one for elementary students (3rd to 6th grade) and another for middle + college students (7th to 12th grade). These patios are visually connected yet physically separated by a one-story height difference. Both courtyards feature green areas with trees and landscaping, except for the covered area beneath the suspended gymnasium volume.
The courtyards are enclosed by two parallel programmatic bars, spaced 50 meters apart and extending along the east-west axis of the site. The northern bar houses general-purpose classrooms with views over the courtyards. The southern bar contains special-use rooms (e.g., art and music studios), workshops, and libraries located on the upper levels. The southern bar, being longer, extends toward the street to define the main entrance and houses administrative functions.
These parallel bars are linked by a transversal volume—suspended like a bridge—that defines a covered courtyard measuring 50 x 24 meters. This volume houses the gymnasium and its complementary facilities. A generous vertical circulation core located at the southern end of the gym connects to the outdoor sports areas projected between the building and the southern edge of the site.
Shared programs such as the cafeteria and auditorium are integrated into the stepped levels of the courtyards. The dining areas enjoy direct relationships with the landscape, while the auditorium is strategically located near the main entrance to allow access for external visitors (e.g., parents or the community) without compromising the safety and privacy of the school’s internal functions.
8. Circulation
There are two longitudinal and one transversal circulation axes. The longitudinal axes are located on the north side of the building, forming intermediate buffer spaces between classrooms and direct solar exposure. All classrooms, libraries, and workshops are oriented to the south.
The northern longitudinal axis connects with the early education building’s access corridor, reinforcing the unity of the campus. Meanwhile, the southern longitudinal axis serves as the main circulation route of the new building.
The transversal circulation axis is located at the transition between the elementary and middle + college courtyards, linking the two pavilions.
A prominent vertical circulation zone connects all levels and separates administrative functions from academic areas via a sculptural entrance hall. This circulation system also links the gymnasium to the outdoor sports facilities.