BREATHING SCHOOL
Location | Jeju, South Korea
Program | School
In Collaboration with Doall Architects
The proposed educational facility is situated within a natural green zone, capitalizing on its favorable environment and abundant natural scenery to facilitate active engagement of children with the external natural environment. This facility aims to foster curiosity and creativity through a diverse array of educational programs, thereby providing a sustainable learning environment.
To maintain an optimal balance between openness and energy efficiency, a unique structural element has been incorporated to establish an appropriate boundary between the interior and exterior, maximizing integration with the outdoors while enhancing energy performance. Furthermore, considerations of connectivity with the existing faculty building and the optimization of daylight conditions within classrooms have been prioritized, ensuring a safe and conducive learning space for students.
This project also aspires to strengthen connections with local residents and promote community revitalization, positioning itself as a dynamic space that embodies the principles of nature-infused education. The site is located within a natural green zone, with portions classified as absolute protection areas, while the northeastern sector is characterized by the presence of a second-class general residential zone. Overall, the campus exhibits an elongated orientation in the north-south direction, with the southern area designated for the expansion building offering expansive views of agricultural lands to the south and a picturesque view of a small village to the north. The site features a generally gentle topography.
The expansion building has been meticulously designed with a primary focus on harmonizing with the existing Seogwipo Onseong School facilities and the surrounding environment. Each expansion structure is conceived to function independently while maintaining an organic interrelation with the main building.
To enhance safety for students during their arrival and departure, the design effectively separates vehicle access from pedestrian pathways at the main entrance. Furthermore, the service circulation is thoughtfully organized, taking into account the placement of the kitchen and preparation areas, thus facilitating functional and efficient operations. A rational and seamless circulation system has also been established, considering the ingress and egress of vehicles as well as pedestrian movement, ensuring that individuals with disabilities and the elderly can navigate the space conveniently and safely.
The first floor is strategically designed with the dining area located on the southwest side to maximize natural light and enhance connectivity with outdoor spaces, while the kitchen is positioned on the southeast side to facilitate access to the parking lot and loading areas. The northern piloti area serves as a multifunctional space that can be utilized for play and as a party room during inclement weather, and a separate dining room (party room) is established in the northwest corner of the dining area. On the second floor, all classrooms are arranged with corridors that run in the east-west direction. Classrooms are grouped in pairs with open spaces in between to promote natural lighting and ventilation. A walkway ramp is incorporated into the bridge connecting the expansion and main buildings, ensuring safe passage for students from the main building to the dining area. The third floor features a stand-alone staircase that facilitates outdoor lessons and observation of physical activities, while the bridge roof is utilized to create garden and landscaping areas. Shared spaces include designated relaxation areas for parents and children, and an emergency slide is installed on the eastern balcony for evacuation purposes. Additionally, the courtyard penetrates through the second and third floors to allow natural light to enter the building. The courtyard floor is composed of gravel, mirror pond, and wooden decking to prevent darkness, while serving as a decorative landscape during the winter months.
