CASA DE LOS ABUELOS
Center for Intergenerational Learning and Research Cataño, Puerto Rico
At the site of the Escuela Elemental Theodore Roosevelt, I propose to construct an Intergenerational Learning Center, which will house an assisted living facility, a childcare center and preschool for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, and a wetland park facility that will support the community as they mobilize and prepare to deal with community displacement due to catastrophic events. Additionally, a research center outpost for the University of Puerto Rico will allow research in Early Childhood Development as well as Alzheimer’s and Dementia to take place on premises. The childcare and preschool have a double use during emergency scenarios, providing the appropriate cotspace and sanitary facilities for 200 people. The site is just outside of the flood evacuation zone, and did flood during Hurricane Maria, therefore a wetland park will be constructed to serve as a biosponge to deal with future flooding. These areas are activated by outdoor furnishings and shade structures. The park will be divided into public and private zones, in order to create a beautiful and natural environment for children to safely learn and explore and residents to wander and have a sense of freedom. Water cisterns are located on the first floor within most of the original structures, providing enough water for sanitation and drinking year round. The flat roof of one wing of the building is a solar farm, allowing the building to maintain power regardless of storms. By bringing neighbors together and strengthening emergency response strategies, Casa de los Abuelos will not only be a high quality child and elder care center, but an asset to the surrounding community.
INSPIRATION
ORIGINAL STRUCTURES
FLOOR PLAN- LEVEL ONE
SITE AND ROOF PLAN
FLOOR PLAN- LEVEL TWO
EXTERIOR BALCONIES
INTERIOR COURTYARD
UPPER PATIO AND CAFE
COMMUNAL LIVING AREA
LATERAL SECTION- ELDER CARE FACILITY
TRANSVERSE SECTION- INDIVIDUAL UNITS
TRANSVERSE SECTION- PRESCHOOL CLASSROOMS
SITE FURNITURE
ROOF CONCEPT
GRA 621: Fall 2018 Global Engagement Studio
Student: C. Davis, X. Fan Instructor: Karin Santiago