School Center Paredes – Alenquer in Portugal by André Espinho Architect

This School Center Paredes includes original artwork and interplay with outside space. It was designed by André Espinho Architect.

Outside South elevation

• Architect: André Espinho Architect
• Project name: School Center Paredes – Alenquer
• Function: School – 1st cycle, kindergarten and ATL (Leisure Activities)
• Chief architect/office name: André Espinho / André Espinho – Arquitectura
• Project team: André Espinho,Bruno Mendes,Miguel Henriques, Marco Correia
• Authors of the Interior Wall Paintings: Mariana Fernandes Virginio Moutinho, André Lemos, Teresa Magalhães e Conceição Espinho; António Moutinho; Francisco Espinho.
• Client: Alenquer City hall – Portugal
• Design date: 2004
• Completion date: 2006/09 (time of construction)
• area: 6,700 m2
• Photos : Fernando Guerra

Outside kindergarden entrance

The School Center has been designed to accommodate around 600 children, from the ages of three to nine. Within the school, the children are divided by the 1st cycle, kindergarten and ATL (Leisure Activities). The first floor consists of administration areas, service and a reception for parents whilst the ground floor contains a gymnasium and the majority of the school classrooms, with a direct link to the playgrounds (both covered and uncovered).

Outside east elevation

School Center Paredes is composed of a white volume resting on four black volumes, thus marking the separation between floors. The majority of the project works around the creation of three patios/playgrounds and the relationship of the building with the slope of the existing ground. Contact with the outside was key to this project, with the organisation and shape of the interior space allowing all circulations to enjoy a large amount of natural light. By including a number of covered outdoor spaces, the building now provides excellent leisure facilities for children in all seasons. Several wall paintings in the playgrounds and atriums were carried out by artists invited by the designer in an attempt to enrich the interior space.

Outside north elevation

One of the original wall hangings was created by Conceição Espinho and Teresa Magalhães. Built in three major areas, (water, earth and sky) it involves a female figure walking and pushing a cart with a child. This is said to symbolise travel and that she will get to know and face the world that awaits her.

Outside north elevation kindergarden playground

Outside north elevation 1 cycle playground

Outside north elevation playground

Outside north elevation playground

Outside South elevation

Outside West elevation

Patio 1 - View from the Atrium entrance 1 cycle/Wall Painting- Virginio Moutinho

Gym at the level of the playground

Atrium between floors / Wall Painting- Mariana Fernades

View to Patio 2 from the Multipropose Room

Patio 2 /Wall Pinting- Teresa Magalhaes and Conceicao Espinho

Patio 2 /Wall Pinting- Teresa Magalhaes and Conceicao Espinho

Patio 3 /Wall Pinting- Francisco Espinho

Atrium between floors / Wall Painting- Antonio Moutinho

Classrooms example

Circulation / Acess to the classrooms

Tags: Alenquer, Portugal

Categories: Cultural Center, School

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