Integrating urban and rural elements, the Ares Nursery School creates a dynamic learning environment. The Ares Nursery School, designed by 16uno arquitectos, emerges as a thoughtful response to the need for expanded educational facilities at CPI As Mirandas. The project enhances the existing primary school through a comprehensive energy retrofit. Situated in Ares, A Coruña, Spain, the school acts as a transitional element between the urban fabric and the surrounding rural landscape, marking a shift in scale from large residential blocks to dispersed detached houses. Central to the design is the forum, a multi-purpose space that serves as the heart of the building. This area is a hub for learning, recreation, and connection, linking classrooms and providing a venue for spontaneous group activities. The forum's design encourages interaction and fluidity, with a ramp that seamlessly connects it to the outdoor areas and the primary school building. The classrooms are conceived as flexible, adaptable spaces that support a variety of pedagogical approaches. Their design optimizes natural daylight and cross-ventilation, enhancing spatial legibility for children. Each pair of classrooms is linked by an intermediate volume housing essential services, and each cluster has its own dedicated outdoor play area. The building's canopy ensures sheltered circulation and passive solar control, maintaining stable thermal and lighting conditions year-round. Materiality plays a crucial role in the educational experience, with variations in material, color, and texture across surfaces. Vegetation is integrated as a dynamic component, transforming the school's visual character with the seasons. This holistic approach encourages children to perceive the school as a living organism, fostering a sense of belonging and interaction.

## Design Highlights

Central forum as a multi-functional learning and recreational space Flexible classroom design promoting various teaching methods Integration of natural light and ventilation for optimal learning environments Use of materiality and vegetation as educational tools Seamless connection between urban and rural contexts

## Key Facts