BCQ arquitectura constructs modular prototype for environmental education in barcelona

BCQ arquitectura barcelona has designed and constructed a prototype module for environmental education classrooms that doubles as a habitat for species of animals, insects, invertebrates, and birds. titled AULA K, the learning and discovery facility is developed to be installed in different locations of the metropolitan area of barcelona park’s network.

all images by marcela grassi

built as an open space that provides direct contact with the outside, the trees, natural light, and climate, BCQ‘s design takes its cues from the idea of the tree as the original classroom, and the first talks of teachers to their disciples that were made under its shelter. the project consists of a prefabricated module, flexible and as economical as possible, capable of responding to the different requirements of each municipality for environmental education. a total of three modules has been proposed – containing the services, classroom, and pergola – which can be combined in different configurations to respond to the requests of each site or the programming of activities.

the prototype building utilizes the classroom and service modules, while it can be adapted to any location and orientation and has been built with industrialized systems to optimize time and cost. its construction, with prefabricated wooden modules, is largely carried out in the workshop, and the assembly of the module on the site can be done in a few weeks. the inverted slopes of the construction allow the installation of flat plate solar collectors and also allow the use of rainwater, which is returned to the ground to provide irrigation for the vegetation planted just next to it.

project info:

name: AULA K– modular classroom for environmental education

architects: baena casamor arquitectes BCQ

team: david baena, toni casamor, manel peribáñez, maria taltavull

collaborating architects: vanessa díaz, petra boulescu

site: aula ambiental isabel muñoz. parque de can zam, calle víctor hugo, 70, 08924 santa coloma de gramenet, barcelona, spain

client: AMB àrea metropolitana de barcelona – city council of santa coloma de gramenet

construction: constructora de calaf, SAU

structure: fustes borniquel

MEP building services: AIA instal·lacions arquitectòniques

built area: 110,46 m2

public space area: 58 m2