In an era of so many social, ecosystemic, and economic ruptures, it becomes necessary to read and write reality through an integral architecture that seeks happiness and balance from a holistic and multidisciplinary vision.
Heritage seen in an integral way (natural and cultural) ceases to be understood as simply ancient, to become what holds value because it gives a sense of unity to evolution, understood from its origin (memory) and the way it unfolds towards the future. From this perspective, the two projects, Barú and Getsemaní, share the same quest:
To generate an understanding of cultural landscapes to empower, through pedagogy, the way a place is inhabited with a desire for comprehensive sustainability (economic, social, and environmental).
To achieve this goal, the vision of this approach seeks to bring together two forces that, when integrated, serve as a bridge to unify the guiding principles of the two projects.
On one hand, the pedagogy of space serves as a bridge to the era of information, competitiveness, and the environmental crisis we are going through. On the other hand, reading heritage as that value from which a historical conversation can be established with each place to integrate memory and propel it towards a prospective that integrates and values pre-existing elements.
We see this union of concepts as an opportunity to achieve the objectives and impacts sought by the Santo Domingo Foundation in its projects.
THE WORKSHOP SCHOOL
At the heart of Cartagena, stands a place that transcends the conventional, offering an experience that fuses the sensory, the emotional, and the unforgettable for students, teachers, and the local community. This architectural project is the cornerstone in the revitalization of the sector, creating urban dynamics that expand towards the city and interweave with the social fabric.
The space, evoking curiosity and creativity, ignites the passion for knowledge of traditional Cartagena trades. Its walls, witnesses of history and culture, embrace shade, the elevated garden, the palette of colors, textures, and materials, in a harmony dance that transmits warmth, well-being, belonging, and pride. The revitalized courtyard, in communion with ecology, fosters a conscious relationship with the natural and historical environment of Getsemaní. Here, students learn the importance of caring for and conserving resources and traditional trades, keeping alive the cultural heritage of Cartagena. This school is more than a mere educational facility; it is a beacon of hope, a sanctuary where tribute is paid to the historical and cultural richness of Cartagena, a place where young souls forge their future while embracing and honoring the legacy of the past. The high value of interior courtyards as spaces for socialization and human interaction is emphasized, enhancing well-being and contributing to the sustainable development of cities. The challenge of maximizing available space is addressed through the implementation of expanded volumes that make the most of permitted floors. This vertical expansion optimizes the built area, providing greater capacity and versatility to educational facilities, while preserving valuable outdoor space in the courtyards by extending it over extensive elevated terraces. The buildings are intelligently arranged around the courtyards, occupying their territory to the maximum allowed limit. This efficient design not only maximizes the construction area but also creates an architectural environment that fosters social interaction, creativity, and learning. The courtyards act as meeting points and connections, facilitating the flow of energy and knowledge between the different spaces of the school.
