Al-Biruni Elementary School
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Architect:
Arraba
2019
Planning
Education
Husein Yassin
Tasneem Hujeirat
Our goal was to create a building that embraces the landscape rather than erase it, the steep slope was a resource. In order to achieve this the design was composed of rectangular masses that sit parallel to the slope, the outer parts of them cantilevering out of the mountain. This reduces their footprint allowing greenery to flow between them.
Long passageways connect them like hanging bridges. They give views to the surroundings from one side and to the interior courtyards from the other. They widen and narrow to give terraces and outdoor learning spaces.
The courtyards sit between the masses and vary in scale and relation to the slope. Those of the school and of the kindergartens are combined together to create a large green central axis crossing the site from east to west. One can walk between the courtyards without having to enter the building, a continuous green space that passes between, beneath and above the classrooms.
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This enriches the interior learning spaces. Which are always open to hidden patio, shared courtyard or terrace.
The library has the central position sitting in an open floor overlooking the courtyards and the inner public space of the building. Being adjacent to the main corridor of the school makes it part of the children’s everyday walk and hopefully will encourage them to use it more often.
