Learning Environments in informal settlements
February 23rd, 2010
Guest author: Olga Maria Conto Sterling
The aim of this project is to explore possibilities for learning environments in the informal settlements on the outskirts of Bogota, Colombia. This topic emerged from the growing necessity to provide schools in the poorest municipalities surrounding the Colombian capital where hundreds of internally displaced people arrive every month. The initial research focused on the history of educational architecture as a means to establishing common denominators, trends and priorities, particularly in relation to pedagogy and climatic context. A private school and a learning centre, two schools from the opposite ends of the spectrum, have served as precedents for this thesis in order to obtain a better understanding of the environmental performance of buildings in this climate and the challenges of sustainable growth. Further research is presented to inform design decisions along with the analytical work that served this purpose. Special attention was drawn to the roof and its potential as a thermal moderator, as well as to the quality of daylight in highly obstructed spaces. Finally, the design process illustrates the methodology and development of the main concepts for a school in the hillsides of Soacha, one of the fastest growing municipalities south of Bogota.
Tags: architectural association, cold climate, colombia, design, learning environments, research, sustainble environmental design
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on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 at 11:02 AM.
Category: Research Initiatives.
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