Architecture: Marta Maccaglia, Paulo Afonso
Collaborators: Carlos Ramos
The project is located in the native Nomatsiguenga community of Mazaronkiari, in the Selva Central region of Peru. Native communities usually have very large populations, and in most cases children do not have access to education. In Mazaronkiari, the nursery school experienced an incredible growth in enrolment. In 2013, the year survey data was collected, there were 30 students enrolled. In 2014, the number of students reached 120. A school cafeteria was then required.
Given the new situation, we proposed the construction of a multifunctional space that could serve as classroom, cafeteria, auditorium, and conference room, with a separate kitchen. The structure was built with wood, with a system of movable and multi-coloured panels together with louvered panels. By moving the panels 90º, they become tables which allows for the creation of various types of work spaces. The module of the kitchen was built with handmade clay bricks.
By combining local materials with active participation and contribution of the community, we were able to build a functional space in harmony with the environment, within the initial budget and with the capacity to accommodate 120 children.
Today, the multipurpose classroom in Mazaronkiari benefits not only the nursery school, but also the parents and the community, who now have a place to meet and socialize after school hours.