Early Childhood Education at Colégio Santa Maria operates in buildings constructed in the late 1960s, which were expanded and renovated in the 2000s. The proposal was to develop a retrofit project to modernize and update the spaces in order to meet new technological demands, uses, and pedagogical practices, while ensuring the preservation of architectural features that are part of the school’s identity. Projects were carried out for the reception area, administrative sector, cafeteria, experimental kitchen, bathrooms, and library. The work had to be carried out in stages and during the summer and winter vacations so as not to interrupt the use of the spaces. To this end, the choice of processes, materials, and design strategies was fundamental to the success of the interventions.

The cafeteria operated in an old converted classroom that could not accommodate the increase in the number of students. It was proposed that the room be returned to its original use and that a smaller room, near the entrance, be enlarged to house the new cafeteria. A roof composed of concrete pillars, metal beams, and thermoacoustic tiles was proposed to cover the complex and create a covered space to shelter students, expand the cafeteria, and renovate the entrance to the complex. The space was designed with three access points, two of which organize the flow of students entering and leaving, and a side entrance for food delivery and cleaning, without compromising access for students and educators. In terms of materials, the existing bricks and exposed concrete complement the new furniture, equipment, and panel in the background with a continuous line drawing that illustrates the transformation of food.

In the basement, a general redesign was proposed to house an experimental kitchen, children’s bathrooms, storage rooms, and a space for employees with a changing room, lockers, and bathrooms. The Experimental Kitchen is divided into two parts. Inside, where there are fixed countertops at two heights and equipment, use is supervised by educators. Outside, the group can be expanded and students can cook collectively. In the bathrooms, color codes indicate the sinks and guide students in the use of the toilets.

The library was organized into two separate spaces that housed the collection and educational activities. An integrated space was proposed, close to the students’ entrance and exit flows and access to classrooms. Bookshelves were designed on the side walls to display books in different ways, mixing reading spaces and spaces for sitting, lying down, or climbing. In the center, a flexible space with beanbags and mats was designed to meet educational needs. The bookshelves were designed as stacked blocks of books. On the lower shelves, the books are displayed by their covers, vertically and horizontally. On the higher shelves, the books are lined up to accommodate the entire collection. A projection screen and chests were proposed to be used as benches and storage for costumes used in storytelling. On one side, there are two support points so that staff can mediate and guide students during activities.

Design: Carvalho Terra Arquitetos
Design Team: Bruno Carvalho, Carina Terra, Eduardo Carvalho, Matheus Santos, Fábio Verbel
Photography: Guilherme Pucci