BAR architects: haiti partner's children's academy

‘haiti partner’s children’s academy’ by BAR architects, port-au-prince, haiti all images courtesy BAR architects

the members of this san francisco-based practice BAR architects collaborated with haiti partners to develop the ‘haiti partner’s children’s academy’, a new self-sustaining community school in the post-earthquake devastation in port-au-prince, haiti. perched high within the hills near mariaman, the learning facility will cater to 450 students from kindergarten age through level 12. approximately 2,500 feet above sea level, classrooms of the 38,000 square foot complex will overlook the rugged and steep terrain which descends toward the dense urban center.

the distance from the power grid requires the series of structures to collect its own energy from solar sources, harvesting of rainwater for irrigation, a local well for potable water and the use of composting toilets. a garden will be tended and managed by students for selling fruits and vegetables. the structure will be constructed with locally sourced limestone and reinforced cinder block. an outdoor amphitheater will be carved into a natural bowl-shaped condition within the hillside. ground breaking begins in the fall 2011 with intermittent areas of the site to open in phases, with final completion projected for 2014.

classroom

‘I am genuinely happy that we – as a community and group of designers, co-workers and  concerned individuals – could contribute in a meaningful way. mostly, I’m eager to see the students starting school in the new building as soon as possible.’ -lisa victor, senior associate and initiator of the project  

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site plan

floor plan / level 0

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hand rendered aerial perspective

conceptual sketch

viciinity map

westward view from the site image © lisa victor

surrounding countryside to the east image © lisa victor

project info:

name: haiti partner’s children’s academy project lead: stacey mcmahan; kate evarts: bar architects location: rue borno prolonge #32b, bawosya, haiti start date: january 17, 2011 current phase: design complete cost: 800000 USD (estimated) project type: education facility – secondary school, education facility – primary school construction manager: mikanol gracius architect: BAR architects design team: l victor, c haegglund, d oliver, j hradecky, l majchrzak, j butler-pinkham, s amend, t crowley, w spurzem, yy yong, m estrellas client: haiti partners, john engle design fellow: stacey mcmahan, kate evarts surveyor: erlich jaques, geometrix engineering: michael magnier, geotechnical engineer civil engineer: sherwood design engineers structural engineer: rick ehlert