Modular School
How to improve the quality of life in the mountain settlements in the Republic of Dagestan? Renewing educational infrastructure is one of the key areas of work in this regard.
Scope of work:
concept of spatial and planning solutions, concept of façade solutions, concept of landscaping, concept of interiors
Function:
small-scale school with a community center
Capacity:
50-150 seats
Year:
2020-2021
Location:
Manasaul village, Republic of Dagestan
Awards:
1st place in the All-Russian Competition of Public Spaces and Educational Institutions in Dagestan (operator: Center Strategic Development Agency)
Build School 2021 Gold Diploma
concept of spatial and planning solutions, concept of façade solutions, concept of landscaping, concept of interiors
Function:
small-scale school with a community center
Capacity:
50-150 seats
Year:
2020-2021
Location:
Manasaul village, Republic of Dagestan
Awards:
1st place in the All-Russian Competition of Public Spaces and Educational Institutions in Dagestan (operator: Center Strategic Development Agency)
Build School 2021 Gold Diploma
The key idea is to create a new quality architectural educational environment for a small school that:
- supports advanced educational programs and local cultural traditions;
- stimulates children's interest in learning;
- takes into account socio-cultural, climatic, and engineering-geological factors of the Republic of Dagestan;
- prepares for life in a rapidly changing world by developing the ability to learn all the time;
- forms a friendly child-adult community and provides new opportunities for local residents.
The entire school — the building, the interior and the surrounding landscape — is transformed into an exciting, continuous educational environment. This transformation is achieved by integrating knowledge about architecture, advanced pedagogy and technology into the project.
The school building resembles a settlement or a mini-city. Its spatial structure is a synthesis of aesthetics, functionality, and traditions. The structure of the school consists of several types of planning and structural modules grouped into functional blocks. The main elements of the “design platform” are three types of modules. They can be combined into different volumetric configurations, taking into account the specific features and diversity of the terrain in different areas. The main and integration space, which resembles a city square or street, is formed between the typical modules. This central area includes most of the public functions of the school, serving as an auditorium and a place for recreation, meetings, and classes.
The school building resembles a settlement or a mini-city. Its spatial structure is a synthesis of aesthetics, functionality, and traditions. The structure of the school consists of several types of planning and structural modules grouped into functional blocks. The main elements of the “design platform” are three types of modules. They can be combined into different volumetric configurations, taking into account the specific features and diversity of the terrain in different areas. The main and integration space, which resembles a city square or street, is formed between the typical modules. This central area includes most of the public functions of the school, serving as an auditorium and a place for recreation, meetings, and classes.
The autonomy of the key blocks is achieved through their connection to both the internal unifying space and the outside. The cluster layout of the laboratories and workshops creates conditions for interdisciplinary communication, which helps children develop competencies necessary to adapt quickly to the modern world. The information center combines a computer class, a library, a media library, and a co-working space to provide services to both the school staff and the community.
A multifunctional yard for various scenarios is formed thanks to the layout scheme of the modules. Different yard areas can be adapted to various use scenarios and ensure conflict-free operation. Original playgrounds made of natural materials, an outdoor theater, and a sports center will be available to students and the community. A network of bike lanes connects the school grounds and extends into the existing development, enhancing the residents’ comfort and providing an additional incentive for cycling.
A multifunctional yard for various scenarios is formed thanks to the layout scheme of the modules. Different yard areas can be adapted to various use scenarios and ensure conflict-free operation. Original playgrounds made of natural materials, an outdoor theater, and a sports center will be available to students and the community. A network of bike lanes connects the school grounds and extends into the existing development, enhancing the residents’ comfort and providing an additional incentive for cycling.
The architecture of the school combines modern simplicity, harmony with the natural environment, traditional elements, and materials of Dagestan folk construction. This creates a sense of modernity, shared cultural identity, and historical contextuality.
The interiors are designed in a subdued color scheme, with coloristic accents that take into account the perception of color by schoolchildren of different ages. Navigation is carried out by delicately including color accents on façades and interiors.
The interiors are designed in a subdued color scheme, with coloristic accents that take into account the perception of color by schoolchildren of different ages. Navigation is carried out by delicately including color accents on façades and interiors.
The structural modules are assembled into production fragments of walls, floors, and partitions, which are then assembled into a spatial structure directly on the construction site. The peculiarity of the modular elements design allows for technological implementation, logistics, and installation on various construction sites, increasing the cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness of the organization of construction and installation works.
During the development of the project, the participatory design method was implemented: a survey was conducted among the residents, students, and teachers of Manasaul village, and consultations were held with the Laboratory of Small Schools at the Dagestan Institute of Education Development. Active involvement of the local community and collaboration between architects, educators, students, and parents are crucial for creating a high-quality environment. This approach fosters new social connections within the community, promoting a sense of ownership and respect for the newly created spaces.
During the development of the project, the participatory design method was implemented: a survey was conducted among the residents, students, and teachers of Manasaul village, and consultations were held with the Laboratory of Small Schools at the Dagestan Institute of Education Development. Active involvement of the local community and collaboration between architects, educators, students, and parents are crucial for creating a high-quality environment. This approach fosters new social connections within the community, promoting a sense of ownership and respect for the newly created spaces.
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