Banca de DEFESA: NATALIA ARAUJO GUILHERMINO

OUTSIDE: Preliminary project for a Montessori Infant and Elementary School with a biophilic approach

Scholar Architecture. Montessori Method. Environmental Comfort. Biophilic Design.

This Completion of Course Master degree Paper consists of the elaboration of an architectural draft, also consisting of a technical report, consists of 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 are the differences 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 preliminary results achieved consist, of the Preliminary Study of the Essência Montessori: Infant and Elementary School, where 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 is possible to conclude that there was great difficulty in landscape planning at ground level, and therefore it was not possible to detail the leisure areas on a micro scale. The architectural project requires more time in detail to understand the school’s dynamics and activities. If there was more time, it would certainly be developed. However, it is possible to perceive the structure and pattern of tree density proposed. Comfort strategies are related to maximizing afforestation - aiming for shading; cross ventilation of buildings; permeable soil covering - seeking to facilitate drainage and reduce heat reflectance; the distance between classroom blocks – aiming to maximize ventilation and improve connection with the outside; the staggered implementation of classrooms and the removal of the sports/active leisure sector from the quiet zone required by teaching and work. Finally, the importance of landscaping for environmental comfort strategies is highlighted.