gregory katz uses precast concrete shapes to build school in johannesburg
the standard templates of over 50 different precast concrete shapes mimic children’s building blocks and contribute to a fascinating play of light and shadows within the building.
gregory katz uses precast concrete shapes to build school in johannesburg
(above) north elevation
all images courtesy of gregory katz architecture
johannesburg-based gregory katz architecture has completed a 1.700sqm state of the art educational facility, encompassing 19 classrooms, a music room, media centre, performance space, therapy rooms and more. the architectural concept references the reggio emilio methodology of teaching preschool kids and the design took standardized precast concrete elements of various shapes and sizes and used them to create window openings and hollow columns. these elements mimic children’s building blocks and contribute to a fascinating play of light and shadows within the building, which is an important aspect of the reggio approach. the building caters for close to 500 children, with age groups ranging from play school to grade-r.
hollow-block columns
north elevation
collonade east wing
precast concrete windows
climbing library
typical classroom
typical bathroom
stairs to upper storey east wing
south elevation
south elevation
west wing
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