giancarlo mazzanti: timayui kindergarten

‘timayui kindergarten’ by giancarlo mazzanti in santa marta, colombia all images courtesy giancarlo mazzanti photographer: jorge gamboa

bogota-based architecture studio giancarlo mazzanti has completed ‘timayui kindergarten’, a new educational facility for children between the ages of 0-5 years in santa marta, colombia. seeking to improve the infrastructure of the city as well as to generate an architecture that facilitates social inclusion within the community, the design holds at its core the notion of ‘open architecture’, resulting in a flexible complex with multiple functions and neutral spaces for the neighbourhood’s use.

general perspective

comprised of six flower-like modules, the project is organically situated on the plot to integrate the outdoor space into the plan of the school. the individual structures are connected by a system of extended arms that provide coverage to the exterior hallways. each module features three conic rooms that pivot around a central courtyard. topped by an irregularly shaped roof light, each room benefits from natural daylight which washes down the angled interior surfaces.

from street

referencing the surrounding land forms, the project creates an architectural landscape of its own, and is a visual landmark within the area. the modules were conceived to be highly adaptive in a variety of situations with the possibility of adding new modules in the future. constructed with shotcrete walls, the structures cuts down on fabrication time as well as waste materials. the north-south orientation encourages natural ventilation and daylighting while an integrated rainwater collection system enables the school to recycle water in its operations.

entrance