‘ecopolis plaza’ by ecosistema urbano in madrid, spain all images courtesy ecosistema urbano photo by j. de paz

spanish studio ecosistema urbano has created ‘plaza ecopolis’, a nursery school that includes in its plan a sustainable public square and urban park in madrid. located on an old industrial site surrounded by a number of industries and heavy transportation infrastructures, the project aims to educate the public on energy related issues while providing an eco-friendly space for social gatherings.

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza approach photo by j. de paz

singular in colour, the bright yellow building features a canvas-like shell stretched on to a sculptural steel frame that gives the school a bold and geometric look. the shading provided by this primary skin passively controls the microclimate of the interior. extending out to the square, the truss element becomes the infrastructure for the outdoor playground equipments.

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza water purification system

conceived as an ‘open environmental classroom’, the new square integrates ecological initiatives, such as the natural water purification system. by making transparent the building’s sustainable features, the the project intends to make aware the importance of consumption behaviour in both the children and the locals.

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza panoramic view of the square photo by j. de paz

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza nursery school’s entrance photo by emilio p. doiztua

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza interior view photo by emilio p. doiztua

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza photo by emilio p. doiztua

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza photo by emilio p. doiztua

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza photos by j. de paz

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza photo by j. de paz

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza photo by j. de paz

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza photo by emilio p. doiztua

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza outdoor playground photos by i.iglesias

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza the square at night

ecosistema urbano: ecopolis plaza