Expand the Possibilities.

Fall 2022, Fifth Year

Competition_ Archstorming Architecture Competition (Group)

_Chris Hyupmin Kwon, Esther Park, Evelyn Song

3rd Round out of 4th Round

Location: Town of Chivonguene, Mozambique

Program: Building a new learning center in the small town of Chivonguene

Requirements: The new center will include, classrooms, a childcare room, a kitchen, a meeting room, among other space. Thinking about the existing site context and taking adventage of rainwater for sustainability.

Role: Participated in Concept developing, Plan Drafting, 3D modeling in Rhino, Renderings, and Panel Organizing.

RENDERING._ Central Library

RENDERING._ Classroom

FOUR Ds : Dynamic / Diverse / Discovery / Develope Learning Platform for Future Generation

The main focus of our proposal for the learning center is to design more Dynamic spaces that provide Diverse experiences in which the girls can Discover and Develop their passions. The learning center is divided into a series of buildings to ease construction for future expansion.

By scattering buildings around the site, each building alternates in opposite directions creating a central pathway and multiple access points. As the students choose their paths, everyone can find a sense of belonging in the learning center, which not only provides education but also develops the community by raising the next generation of female leaders. As the trapezoid buildings widen, the roof slants upwards, lifting from the walls to allow for natural ventilation and lighting, improving room conditions.

Biophilia has a strong correlation with physical and psychological well-being. Thus the classrooms are placed on the wider end of the trapezoid to open up and bring nature inside. An open library located at the center holds books, school supplies, and students’ belongings. The orchard serves not only as an extension of the room but also as a safe playground with free-standing walls to make the space feel safer and comfortable.

As a learning center for girls, safety is one of the driving factors of the design, therefore, all the frequently used rooms have multiple openings to the outside. The bathrooms, where many cases of violence are reported, are purposefully placed in front of the office near the entrance to create a sense of surveillance.