carolina penna architects designs a training center around existing trees in brazil

the são paulo-based practice, carolina penna architects, forms the ‘training center for education professionals dr. zilda arns’ on a site in the brazilian city of são caetano. more than just a school, the center is designed to promote discussions about education and properly train educators. the project provides a space of collective use where there are studies, dialogues, meetings and debates among teachers, students, parents, citizens alike.

all images nelson kon

the architecture created by carolina penna is characterized by the creation of vast spaces and large elements of glazing that allow an abundance of natural light to flood the building. the scheme separates the different activities of the institution (didactic and events) into two buildings. these two masses are positioned in respect to the varieties of trees that already existed on the site – some located in the external area adorning a discreet public square; others are in the inner courtyard and serve as shading area for the place.

the exterior of the new center is punctuated by the square holes that cover the façades. these design elements work to break up the large monolithic volume and also add an aspect of playfulness to the building as a whole. inside, the spaces are designed to be light, bright and airy. and with the implementation of large glazed surfaces, a view to the nature outside is never too far.

project info:

project name: training center for education professionals dr. zilda arns

project location: são caetano do sul (sp), brazil

architect: carolina penna architects

total built area: 53,820 ft2 (5,000 m2)

site area: 65,498 ft2 (6,085 m2)

photography: nelson kon