TYPOLOGY EDUCATIONAL LOCATION KWAMASHU, DURBAN SIZE 1.4 HA CLIENT COTTON ON FOUNDATION ARCHITECTS FIELDWORKS DESIGN GROUP PARTNERSHIP FCG CURRENT PHASE COMPLETE
DESCRIPTION
As part of the design for the upgrade and expansion of Ethekwini Primary, the Fieldworks team constructed a Spatial education graph to guide the layout and design process. The graph is based on Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Sytems Theory of Development, which addresses how social relationships and physical environments influence a child's education. The Spatial education graph illustrates the relationship between the individual (eg. learner) and his/her environment, as well as illustrating three spheres of education and engagement (individual level, group learning, and community) the individual is confronted with daily. The graph is further divided into quarters that address sustainability aspects and environmental elements (Water, Waste, Energy, Vegetation). These sustainability and environmental categories allow for engagement on each of the three levels of education an individual is confronted with. Each category aims to incorporate sustainability into an architectural expression of the school, whilst endeavoring to add an educational aspect to the physical environment the learners are surrounded with.
The master plan for the school aims to make use of space as efficiently as possible. The layout suggests the formalisation of access points and major movement routes, zoning for sport and plays activities, new classrooms and educational facilities, defensible and enclosable spaces. The design allows for a phased implementation of the project, enabling the expansion of the school over time.
