Located in Medellin, the auditorium of La Enseñanza School comes from the understanding of the site such as the ground level differences and dynamics that reside in place in order to generate the least possible impact upon existing trees and sports infrastructure. The limits of the project are set by the near landscape; circulations are accompanied by canopy of trees and its interior has a direct visual relation with outside vegetation. In this way, the project goes beyond the traditional auditorium idea, which links environmental, cultural and pedagogic conditions to support the educational mission of the institution.

The project keeps the sport courts in a below level which still works as recreational use for students during their study date and parking when there is an important event. The second floor integrates the actual access of the institution in which a slope links the auditorium with an open lobby and facility areas. From the lobby it is possible to contemplate part of the city view, environmental surroundings, level below of courts and hallway access to the auditorium. On the other hand, inside the building with a capacity of 800 people, it is possible to find a strong connection with the exterior as a result of a large window which allows nature to be glimpsed from the inside.

As a formal approach, the building pursues being merged with its immediate context. Thus, nature is reflected on its large windows and its structure in “V” and “W”- shaped makes a trunk of trees analogy. In this way, the project rather than being an outlined piece, seeks for being blend into the environment instead. Consequently, visual impact is less from outside and in the other hand, from inside it has a strong link with a near and distant landscape; as well as to be indoors it feels like to being outdoors.

Concrete, glass, metal and Wood are predominant materiality. Hence, Concrete makes possible the structure which is exposed and allows to see clear the building; Glass and metal establish a visual relation with the background and last but not least, wood that provide warm to space and is a solution for acoustic demands of program.

This project designed by OPUS + MEJIA and directed by Architects Edgar Mejía, Manuel Jaen Posada, Carlos Andrés Betancur y Carlos David Montoya, was awarded after a private contest organized by La Enseñanza School. The goal was to create a space for cultural and educational events in addition to offer it to the external community as a complement of external facilities to companies of the city.

Design team:
OPUS + MEJÍA

Design directors:
Edgar Mejía Escobar
Manuel Jaén Posada
Carlos Andrés Betancur
Carlos David Montoya

Project manager
Santiago López Posada