Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Canadian School
Canadian School
Pue., Mexico
Jury Winner, 2025 A+Awards, Institutional - Unbuilt Institutional
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Other Projects by Sordo Madaleno
Canadian School
Pue., Mexico
Jury Winner, 2025 A+Awards, Institutional - Unbuilt Institutional
Firm
Type
STATUS
Under Construction
YEAR
2026
SIZE
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft
BUDGET
Undisclosed
The Canadian School in Cholula, Puebla is designed as an educational environment where the landscape itself becomes an integral part of the learning experience. Influenced by its proximity to the pre-Hispanic pyramid of Cholula and the Popocatépetl volcano, the design reflects a deep respect for the historical and - natural context of the land. This connection to the landscape is embodied in the school’s architectural scheme, which blends into the urban context and natural topography of the site.
“Canadian School is inspired by the volcanic context and memory land of the site. Its design is presented as a building that blends with the natural topography.” - Fernando Sordo Madaleno
The natural topography has a significant impact on the architectural design. The site has a 3-meter difference in elevation from the street level, a condition that drives us to create a building that integrates seamlessly with the landscape. The educational spaces are located on the lower level, while the roof, accessible from the street level, functions as a park, becoming an extension of the playground and encouraging interaction for the children and youth.
“This school is a canvas where learning and nature meet, where architecture becomes an experiential tool that merges with the playground, becoming part of the outdoor environment where activities unfold.” - Fernando Sordo Madaleno
Departing from traditional linear educational layouts, Canadian School adopts a radial design that focuses on central public areas and allows the daily life of the school to unfold inward. This layout maximizes the use of open space, with 62% of the site left unbuilt, creating large outdoor areas that are connected to the building.
“This typology allowed us to challenge traditional design approaches. Despite the defined boundary, we envisioned a central space that integrates with the surrounding environment. The building itself becomes part of the playground, blending into the environment. From this vantage point, the school can be seen in harmony with the nearby volcano.” - Fernando Sordo Madaleno
The school’s program is organized around seven circular structures divided into twenty-four equal segments. This modular approach organizes the classrooms, administrative offices, cafeteria, gardens, courtyards, and sports facilities in a coherent and accessible manner.
The selection of materials aims to establish a dialogue with the surrounding volcanic landscape and pre-Hispanic heritage, ensuring seamless integration with the environment. The building’s visual identity is characterized by exposed concrete blocks that not only provide a distinctive aesthetic but also reduce maintenance costs. These blocks, manufactured specifically for the project, enable a modular and flexible design that adapts to both current and future needs while maintaining structural integrity.
Canadian School is a testament to how architecture can harmonize with the landscape, creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for learning.
“Canadian School is inspired by the volcanic context and memory land of the site. Its design is presented as a building that blends with the natural topography.” - Fernando Sordo Madaleno
The natural topography has a significant impact on the architectural design. The site has a 3-meter difference in elevation from the street level, a condition that drives us to create a building that integrates seamlessly with the landscape. The educational spaces are located on the lower level, while the roof, accessible from the street level, functions as a park, becoming an extension of the playground and encouraging interaction for the children and youth.
“This school is a canvas where learning and nature meet, where architecture becomes an experiential tool that merges with the playground, becoming part of the outdoor environment where activities unfold.” - Fernando Sordo Madaleno
Departing from traditional linear educational layouts, Canadian School adopts a radial design that focuses on central public areas and allows the daily life of the school to unfold inward. This layout maximizes the use of open space, with 62% of the site left unbuilt, creating large outdoor areas that are connected to the building.
“This typology allowed us to challenge traditional design approaches. Despite the defined boundary, we envisioned a central space that integrates with the surrounding environment. The building itself becomes part of the playground, blending into the environment. From this vantage point, the school can be seen in harmony with the nearby volcano.” - Fernando Sordo Madaleno
The school’s program is organized around seven circular structures divided into twenty-four equal segments. This modular approach organizes the classrooms, administrative offices, cafeteria, gardens, courtyards, and sports facilities in a coherent and accessible manner.
The selection of materials aims to establish a dialogue with the surrounding volcanic landscape and pre-Hispanic heritage, ensuring seamless integration with the environment. The building’s visual identity is characterized by exposed concrete blocks that not only provide a distinctive aesthetic but also reduce maintenance costs. These blocks, manufactured specifically for the project, enable a modular and flexible design that adapts to both current and future needs while maintaining structural integrity.
Canadian School is a testament to how architecture can harmonize with the landscape, creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for learning.
Product Spec Sheet
Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.