Project description: Architectural design of a public school in Barranquilla This design proposal, submitted to FONADE and the Ministry of Education, was elaborated in association with the consulting firms MYV and Lloreda Pineda. The conceptualization of the project was generated from the design of facilities that would contribute to the pedagogical development and learning of all children. Open spaces were designed so that the child will experience a permanent exploration in their daily school permanence. Philosophically and geometrically the central idea of the project is a ‘hand’, which we adopted as an easy symbol to remember for children. Departing from this idea all subsequent buildings and spaces were originated around this main plaza. In the bioclimatic field, we needed to compensate hot weather and sometimes humid conditions. The north-south orientation of the buildings was determined to reduce solar gain while allowing the passage of predominant current air flows. The arrangement of the volumes created small wind tunnels achieving thermal comfort in each space. Prevailing northerly winds were also directed into the project. The use of overhangs and tree planting also helped to control the temperature.   Work performed: Architectural design