2023 SCHOOL IN ARMAVIR, ARMENIA
IN PROGRESS
Texts
CONTEMPLATING MOUNT ARARAT
Can you just imagine the thrill for an architect to be commissioned to design a building facing Mount Ararat? Facing the mountain where Noah’s Ark ran aground! Facing such a holy spot! Facing History!
That is where we wish to design and construct the most beautiful building in the world. And there we would raise our glass of wine, the same wine that Noah drank after which he called out “In vino veritas”.
First, I would like to thank again the generosity of awarding us the first prize in this competition to build a School in Armavir, Armenia. In our first solution there was a platform on the highest point of the plot, a temenos, and above it a clear and orderly building, with a rooftop as special place of contemplation.
After our visit to Armenia and our conversations with Garo H. Armen, the president of COAF, we were advised to move the project to a hill within the same 90 HA plot. From there you have a better view of everything, including Mount Ararat.
After careful analysis and study of this site, we have come up with a solution that best suits the site, overhanging the hill and overlooking Mount Ararat and the Aragats.
The building will rise strongly as a white box on a 30×30 m square plan.
On the upper floor there is a completely transparent room for the children, with all the windows openable, so that in good weather it will be like being outdoors.
Above this space, at the top, a large rooftop terrace that could be the space we are asking for as a cafeteria, with walls that ensure safety, with gaps that frame the surrounding landscape.
On the ground floor, at street level, the classrooms following the proposed program with the dimensions and privacy requested.
On the podium floor, the dance room, the music room, the gymnasium and the auditorium in continuity with the podium, and the restaurant.
Below, in the open air, a large esplanade for children’s games, and the parking area with trees.
We believe that this is a good solution and appropriately solves the program, following the instructions we have been given.
