THE NATURAL LAYERS OF HISTORY

The Canadian School is designed as an educational environment where the landscape itself becomes an integral part of the learning experience. Located in Cholula, Puebla, near the Popocatépetl Volcano and the Cholula Pyramid,

the project is drawn from the study of the local wisdom - its history, people and cultural heritage. This approach achieves a balance between architecture, urban development, natural resources and the landscape.

Setting apart from traditional layouts in educational architecture, the design process explored various schemes, resulting in a radial configuration that centers on common spaces and allows the school’s daily activities to unfold inward. This arrangement optimizes the use of open space, leaving 62% of the site unbuilt and fostering an intimate connection with the outdoors.

A ROOFTOP PARK TO ENRICH LEARNING

The site has a 3-meter difference in elevation from the street, a condition that drives us to create a building that integrates seamlessly with the landscape. The educational spaces are located on the lower level, while the roof, accessible from the street, functions as a park, becoming an extension of the playground and encouraging interaction for the children and youth.

"This school is a canvas where learning and nature meet, where architecture becomes an experiential tool that merges with the playground, becoming part of the outdoor environment where activities unfold."

Fernando Sordo Madaleno

The school's program is organized around seven circular structures divided into twenty-four equal segments. This modular approach organizes the classrooms, administrative offices, cafeteria, gardens, courtyards, and sports facilities in a coherent and accessible manner.