Mirandela Educational Centre

The project for the new Mirandela Educational Centre (EC) comes in response to the Public Tender held by Mirandela Council in June 2009.
The land provided for the construction of the EC has a triangular shape and very irregular topography, measuring about 21,550 m2. It is located in Quinta do Retiro, which runs along the east of the city’s built-up area.
A system of interlinked platforms was developed to create an artificial land platform on which the two-storey EC building will be constructed. The building’s roof height stays almost always constant (255) and is horizontal, in contrast to the terraces proposed and the existing topography.
The building is arranged around a central patio / court (height 247) which is the Educational Centre’s most recognisable shape. The space links the various recreational platforms and organises the school programme. The main walkways and covered recreation spaces are around and leading off from this patio. To the north, a ‘bridge building’ borders the central patio and allows the outdoor space system to pass beneath. This large-scale body is cupped within the valley and faces towards the city.
The proposal outlines 3 nucleuses: the first, organised around the atrium, containing the dining area / kitchen, multi-purpose rooms / gymnasium, the library, the administration and support spaces; the second, with the kindergarten/pre-school by the entrance (height 251); and the third, for the 1^st cycle of basic education, with two floors in the east and north.
The external platform system comprises a central free recreation area, two free recreation areas to the east, an adventure space, an educational garden and an area specially endowed for games (open air multi-sport).