In response to a municipal initiative to build kindergartens in various Lisbon neighbourhoods, the SUMMARY architectural studio developed an innovative project based on a modular prefabricated system. In less than 13 months, almost identical buildings were constructed in four locations, which are functional, durable and easily recognisable thanks to their unique form. The modular kindergartens proved to be a hit.
The design is distinguished by the use of prefabricated, three-dimensional U-shaped modules made of reinforced concrete. These elements are put together and superimposed according to functional needs. This design has made it possible to significantly shorten construction time and reduce the inconvenience associated with construction, reducing noise, dust emissions and waste on building sites.
The basis of the concept was the unification of design solutions, for both economic and organisational reasons. The prefabrication system used made it possible to realise the four kindergartens according to the same structural and functional principle. The modular kindergartens are two-storey, which made it possible to minimise their footprint and preserve as much land as possible for the children’s recreational space. The ground floor houses the technical facilities, kitchen and administration area, while the classrooms are located on both levels. Importantly, all of them have direct access to the outside – from the ground floor to the playground and from the ground floor to the terraces.
The central element of each building is the corridor that runs through the centre of the building. This is where all the communication risers and the main installation routes, i.e. ventilation, heating and air conditioning, are located. This solution improves the orientation in the building and increases the safety of users by offering good visibility of all zones. The external form of the kindergartens clearly reflects the structural logic adopted. The visible joints between the modules and their rhythmic arrangement give the blocks a distinct, almost sculptural structure. Despite the identical technology, each building is adapted to the conditions of the specific plot. All of them are located in densely built-up areas of the city, where space for the development was severely limited.
The surroundings of the kindergartens were designed with children’s outdoor activities in mind. Provision was made for both paved, non-slip surfaces to allow the use of children’s vehicles and green garden areas. The selection of plants and trees took into account the local climate, the low water requirements and the health safety of the little ones, so species that could cause allergies were excluded. In the case of these four Lisbon kindergartens, no less important than the effect itself was the method of implementation. Prefabrication proved to be a practical technological solution and a tool for creating a new, recognisable identity for the city’s educational infrastructure. Thanks to the thoughtful organisation of the work and the standardisation of the solutions, Lisbon gained modern, durable and functional facilities that immediately became part of the urban fabric.
Project: SUMMARY
Project team: Samuel Gonçalves (project leader), Inês Rodrigues, João Meira, Sara Perfetti, Adina Staicu
Location: Lisbona, Portugal
Photography: Fernando Guerra
Also read: kindergarten | Portugal | Interesting facts | Minimalism | Featured | whiteMAD on Instagram
