This Colorful School Room Makes Use of a Once-Abandoned Space
Vasiliki Marapas — October 3, 2014 — Art & Design
References: diazpaunetto & contemporist
Architect Víctor Díaz Paunetto transformed an abandoned building in Puerto Rico into a colorful school room. The original building was built in the 1960s and abandoned 20 years later. This is the first attempt at rehabilitation. The sustainable project, titled GELM Annex, is an example of how we can reuse and recycle materials to build anew.
The architect was challenged with a modest budget and time restrictions. Despite the limitations, he strove to create a structure that would be straight-forward, consistent and durable. To achieve this objective, the architect utilized corten steel for the skin of the structure. The perforated pattern of the steel is informed by the surrounding bamboo hedges, establishing a relationship to the natural surroundings.
The sun-screen of the steel is punctuated with colored glass panels, allowing colored light to filter into the space.
The architect was challenged with a modest budget and time restrictions. Despite the limitations, he strove to create a structure that would be straight-forward, consistent and durable. To achieve this objective, the architect utilized corten steel for the skin of the structure. The perforated pattern of the steel is informed by the surrounding bamboo hedges, establishing a relationship to the natural surroundings.
The sun-screen of the steel is punctuated with colored glass panels, allowing colored light to filter into the space.
Trend Themes
1. Reuse and Recycle - The sustainable project demonstrates the trend of reusing and recycling materials to build anew.
2. Affordable Rehabilitation - The architect's ability to create a structure within a modest budget and time restrictions highlights the trend of affordable rehabilitation.
3. Integration of Natural Surroundings - The use of a perforated steel pattern inspired by surrounding bamboo hedges showcases the trend of integrating natural surroundings in design.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The project highlights opportunities for the construction industry to embrace sustainable practices and affordable rehabilitation strategies.
2. Education - The transformed school room suggests opportunities for the education industry to repurpose abandoned spaces and create innovative learning environments.
3. Architecture and Design - The innovative use of materials and integration of natural surroundings presents opportunities for architects and designers to create environmentally-friendly structures with artistic elements.
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