school for all

São Martinho da Cortiça (Arganil)

pre and primary public school

“open space, people space” conference study presentation

This public pre and primary school, located in São Martinho da Cortiça, was created with the premise that the entire school should be created for all or with an universal design.

The landscape project created all access to the building and street. To overcome the difference between the street level and the school building stairs and ramps were used. This project divides the outdoor school in different areas to cover the needs of primary and nursery childreen.

The project focused spaces to play in group, without permanente equipment, such as swing or slide.

Years later with the evaluation carried out with the school users (children, teachers and assistants) it was possible to understand that the choice so challenged years ago was correct, because children prefer natural places to play in group.

Only a small percentage referred to equipment and everyone talked about how they liked to play in the sandbox.

“I like to walk among the flowers and the trees of the playground”

the boy with down syndrome response

The lack of shade was referred to as well as the enjoyment of running in the grass.