MODIFY

1101-Organic School

Category : Architecture- Education | Project Type : Under Construction | Year : 2021 | Location : Athens Greece
Integrated Learning and Recreation in a Multi-Level Educational Facility

This innovative project is a bold architectural solution that merges educational and recreational facilities within a single, multifunctional complex. Spanning three distinct levels — a basement pool, a kindergarten on the ground floor, and a primary school on the first floor — the building is designed to foster holistic child development in an environment that is as functional as it is aesthetically engaging. The structure emphasizes sustainable design, safety, and the creation of dynamic spaces for learning and play.

Architectural Design and Concept:

The building is conceived as a stack of complementary volumes, with each floor serving a specific function while maintaining a coherent architectural language throughout. The basement houses a swimming pool, the ground floor accommodates the kindergarten, and the first floor is dedicated to the primary school, with outdoor play areas integrated into both upper levels.

  • Structural Composition:
    One of the most striking elements of the building is the interplay between volumes, with the primary school level cantilevered above the ground and basement floors. This design is not only visually distinctive but also highly functional. The cantilevered form creates shaded outdoor areas on the ground floor, offering protection from direct sunlight and rain, allowing children to play outside in a protected space. The use of heavy concrete pillars for support adds a robust, industrial touch while ensuring the building’s structural integrity.

  • Materiality and Texture:
    The building contrasts smooth white facades with exposed concrete elements, adding textural variety. The concrete structural columns feature a raw, almost sculptural finish, creating a sense of weight and solidity, particularly in the central columns that support the upper floors. In contrast, the smooth curves and white exteriors lend a sense of fluidity, softening the overall form and reflecting the child-friendly ethos of the building.

  • Transparency and Light:
    Large, expansive windows are strategically positioned across all levels, maximizing natural light and promoting transparency. This not only reduces energy consumption but also creates a sense of openness between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interplay of natural and artificial light ensures the interiors are bright, lively, and conducive to a positive learning atmosphere.

Functionality and Layout:

The design ensures the optimal use of space, with each level carefully planned to meet the specific needs of its users — children and educators. The layout emphasizes separation of functions, allowing for different activities without interference, while also ensuring easy access between levels.

Basement: Swimming Pool
The basement swimming pool is a key feature that sets this project apart. It’s more than a recreational facility — it’s a space that encourages physical development and offers aquatic education as part of the school’s curriculum. Despite being underground, the pool is designed to feel bright and open, with artificial lighting systems mimicking natural light. Safety is a priority, with child-friendly entry points and non-slip surfaces.

Ground Floor: Kindergarten
The kindergarten is located on the ground floor, offering direct access to outdoor play areas. The layout is designed to support early childhood education, incorporating flexible learning spaces that can be easily adapted for various activities, from group work to individual play. The integration of outdoor spaces, shaded by the cantilevered upper floors, allows children to seamlessly transition from indoor learning environments to outdoor activities. The use of soft materials and playful shapes in both the exterior and interior design reinforces a safe, stimulating environment for young children.

First Floor: Primary School
The primary school on the first floor takes advantage of the elevated position by incorporating outdoor terraces for recreational breaks and physical activities. Classrooms are designed to be modular and adaptable, with moveable partitions that allow spaces to expand or contract based on the needs of the curriculum. The proximity to outdoor spaces, including a rooftop garden, reinforces the connection between learning and the natural environment. The design philosophy here focuses on collaborative learning — classrooms are connected to communal spaces that encourage interaction, project-based learning, and engagement between students and teachers.