Uxue, Jimena and Olivia
The proposal provides a nature lab for the students from the De Klimpaal School to hold their classes in an outdoor setting. Located in Molenbeek on Rue de l’Elephant, the rich history of the area threads through the design. The proposal sits across the road from the school, towards the back of the youth hostel along the brick wall that provides both a sense of enclosure and an anchor. Adjacent is La Fonderie Museum which was once a prominent metal working factory and as such the proposal integrates metal work as part of the structure. The pavilion creates adjustable protection from rain and sun allowing for outdoor teaching throughout the year. The project uses local waste streams and techniques with a focus on colour. The seating and tables are made of yellow construction wood that is no longer used, repurposed PVC tarp for the rain protection and reclaimed textiles for the sun shading elements. The benches also act as storage and can stow away the tables whilst all being moveable to adapt to the activities of the class. The proposal uses a minimal structure to keep the nature of the site as the protagonist.