“HL Architecture, in collaboration with the narrative environments designer Nadia Troeman has won the competition for the design of a new multi-discipline school in the town of North Saliña, on the island of Bonaire.” The competition was initiated by the Bonaire Office of Public Works and the Ministry of Education and Culture.
The design accommodates four different communities which when combined form a single cluster for 650 pupils. The individual elements include the Kolegio Papa Cornes and De Pelicaan schools, a kindergarten and a community sports centre. Each community has its own place: an atrium building with a central playing area.
(The four structures are grouped around a protected central courtyard that can be used by the entire school. The circulation space, while condensed as much as possible, creates a variety of interrelated educational and play areas.)
Instead of creating four separate architectural clusters, each school is part of a strong identity structure which connects and defines them into one building.
This identity is build up of typical Bonairian symbols. Each community stands for one of the four symbols which in turn not only creates a separate identity for each - which will translate into a clear signage system, but it also shows that they are part of the same ‘Brede School’. In addition the elements of the design are integrated into the site so that architecture, design and landscape are combined to create a playfull but strong sense of place.
The essence of the project lies in the climatological approach; the dry and warm climate of the Antilles requires a suitable wind strategy, shaded facades and the use of materials with low heat capacity. The design combines the low-tech knowledge of traditional local construction with innovative ecological techniques to achieve a specific individual energy system for the entire building complex.
Rendering image courtesy of HL Architecture