El Colegio de Panamá is a K-12 private school. The design process began with the definition of the classroom as a crucial unit or cell that is replicated to create the school. One of the key elements of design was the programmatic adaptability that is required by a modern day classroom, and the potential for creating different learning environments through the use of flexible spaces.
As a result, each classroom is defined by two solid volumes with nooks towards the interior, that create an open program space and serve as storage for learning equipment and materials. The negative space left by these volumes defines the fenestration, and provides indirect natural light into the classrooms, while limiting direct views to the exterior in order to enhance concentration.
The classroom cells are then arranged throughout the site at two levels, and gather around to create multiple indoor/outdoor recess spaces. The main recess/play area is covered by an inverted roof that serves as a large rainwater collector, and allows for the school to be entirely self sufficient in water consumption.
All of the separate modules of the school are connected via yellow roof elements that signal the main circulation axes.
One of the main design intentions was to create a fully didactic building, where students could easily identify and learn from its components, all of which are distinguished with the use of color.
