The Classroom That Divides to Expand | San José Preschool by Taller de Arquitectura de Bogotá
- Arq. Adanau Santana
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Author: Adanau Santana
Human. Architect, constant learner.
PROJECT: Preschool Building of the School
ARCHITECTS: Taller de Arquitectura de Bogotá
LOCATION: Cajicá, Colombia
YEAR: 2016
AREA: 1,287 m²
PHOTOGRAPHY: Rodrigo Davila
Taller de Arquitectura de Bogotá adopted an approach in which architecture is not imposed on the place, but adapts to it. In this sense, the design is carefully integrated into the landscape, respecting the site’s topographic, climatic, and social conditions. The work reflects an architecture that does not seek formal prominence, but rather coherence with its context.
Located in an environment where the urban and the rural intertwine, San José Preschool emerges as a response to a specific educational need, but also as an opportunity to rethink traditional models of school infrastructure. The project starts from a fundamental premise: spaces for childhood must be stimulating, safe, and open to exploration.
Spatial Organization and User Experience
One of the most outstanding aspects of the project is its spatial organization. The preschool is composed of a series of low-scale volumes, arranged in a way that generates patios, pathways, and intermediate spaces. These elements are not secondary, but essential to the educational experience.
The patios function as extensions of the classroom, allowing learning to transcend the interior and connect with the exterior. This constant relationship with nature fosters curiosity and free play, key aspects of child development. In addition, the routes between the different spaces are designed as experiences in themselves, promoting children’s exploration and autonomy.
The scale of the project is carefully controlled. The spaces are conceived from the children’s perspective, avoiding monumentality and favoring a sense of closeness and protection. This translates into welcoming environments that invite permanence and discovery.
The materiality of San José Preschool responds to aesthetic, functional, and contextual criteria. The use of local materials not only reduces environmental impact, but also reinforces the identity of the place. Elements such as brick, wood, and concrete are used honestly, showing their texture and natural qualities.
The construction reveals attention to detail that seeks durability and low maintenance, fundamental aspects in educational projects. Likewise, the selection of materials contributes to thermal and acoustic comfort, generating appropriate environments for learning.
One of the project’s most significant achievements is its ability to integrate with the surroundings. The building is not perceived as an isolated object, but as part of a broader system that includes the landscape, the community, and local dynamics.
The openings, patios, and outdoor areas are carefully oriented to take advantage of natural light and cross ventilation. This not only improves indoor environmental conditions, but also reduces dependence on artificial systems.
In addition, the project promotes an active relationship with nature. Children do not only observe the environment; they interact with it, strengthening their connection with the natural world from an early age.
San José Preschool transcends its basic function as an educational institution to become a community space. Its design encourages participation, coexistence, and a sense of belonging, both among children and their families.
From a pedagogical perspective, the project recognizes that physical space is an active agent in the learning process. The flexibility of the environments allows them to adapt to different activities, promoting more dynamic and inclusive educational methodologies.
Likewise, the project shows how architecture can contribute to improving the quality of education, especially in contexts where resources are often limited. Through intelligent and sensitive design, it demonstrates that it is possible to create dignified and stimulating spaces without resorting to costly or excessively complex solutions.
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