Casa De Sara Escuelita / Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Casa De Sara Escuelita

PROJECT INFORMATION

International Educational Design | 400,000 sq ft

Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Professor Robert French, Spring 2012

Third Year Studio

At Casa de Sara, the students receive aid not only through providing education, but through creating programs that nourish their bodies and encourage social well-being. Focusing on the element of community is one way Casa de Sara can continue to welcome the family, friends, and faculty onto this new campus. By allowing the Bolivian community into this space, the family at Casa de Sara extends their efforts into the homes of the students and can begin to create even more of an impact in their lives.

The central space provides a catalyst for discussion, celebration, and gathering that begins to redevelop the community to which it reaches out. This space acts as the vehicle into almost all aspects of the program and continues to connect the students within their own community. Creating opportunities for solitude and contemplation, while still providing areas for inspiration and discovery create a dialogue within the building materials and structure. These elements continue to interact with the zocalo space and allow students to truly create a convergence of community.