The facilities of Siprosa School is designed to support a progressive education and hands-on learning experiences that integrate the outdoors, even in the urban setting of Nairobi, Kenya. The school provides play area for children, gardening space, and impressive view of the Nairobi National Reserve.
Siprosa’s aim is to create an ideal environment for learning and move away from a typical scenario where there are children crammed into a sub-optimal classroom. The architecture team led by Rudabeh Pakravan with Julia Klineberg and Pablo Hernandez produced a plan with the following key design goals in mind:
- Meet the needs of the curriculum
Consider the specificity of the Nairobi climate
Ensure materials availability and ease of construction without being too conventional
Use architecture, space, and form to create wonder and heightened excitement
The result was an architectural beauty with four large open volumes wrapped around by a screening system made of re-used terra cotta roof tiles. The design produced a unique classroom experience that combines a traditional, conditioned learning environment with the natural environment of the outdoors. Open roof deck serves as an outdoor classroom for children to learn the importance of nature, responsibility and sustainability. The facilities design incorporates rainwater collection system to be used for irrigation and interior plumbing.
Locally available, sustainable materials complement the open, naturally lit spaces. Specific material choices and spatial compositions stimulate intellectual curiosity and promote sustainable living practices.
Download the full design renderings here.
