Minami Yamashiro Primary School
The idea of flexibility permeates every aspect of the plan, in which the two levels of teaching spaces are arranged within a repetitive framed grid of 8.1 by 8.1 metres. On the ground floor are located special facilities such as the library, information technology centre, science labs and music studios, which can be easily accessed day and night according to the mode of operation required. The first floor contains the classrooms which are arranged as suites of three interconnected spaces - two small classrooms opening onto a shared space that can be used by either or both classes for special projects or joint activities. Each suite is used by one year group and is identified by one of the bright colours both inside and out.
The multi-level top-lit space is similarly organised within the expressed structural grid. The angled roof planes, with their curved edges reminiscent of wing tips, open up to the north allowing indirect light into the classrooms, with operable glass panels beneath for ventilation. Many of the classrooms and other teaching and working spaces also have openable panels to encourage cross ventilation, especially in the heat of the Japanese summer.
The restricted budget meant that the way materials were selected and employed had a significant impact on the final appearance of the building. A ‘kit of parts’ approach was adopted so that a minimal palette of local, easily obtainable materials was used to the greatest aesthetic and spatial effect.
The concrete structural frame, partly formed from re-used shuttering, was left exposed, as was the steel framing for the roofs. Timber elements such as floors and furniture were also locally sourced and constructed. Vibrant splashes of colour and form appear both in the surface of the playground and on the interior walls in the form of art work specially commissioned from a Japanese artist . The brightly coloured shapes echo the theme colours of the classrooms.
Flexibility
Flexibility is fundamental to the organisation of the programme, in which classrooms can be organised in various configurations to suit the curriculum, and facilities can be used by the school students during the day and by the rest of the community during the evening.
Energy
The expressive undulating roof acts as an environmental light and ventilation modulator. The north facing openings bring light deep into the building, while openable glass panels allow hot air to escape.
Team
The project was won following a limited competition initiated by the mayor of Minami-Yamashiro. The design team, led by RRP, was assisted by a number of local consultants, engineers and contractor.
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