Transforming Education in Villacuri: A Sustainable Approach to School Construction

In the heart of the Peruvian desert lies Villacuri, a community born 25 years ago from the convergence of immigrants from the mountains and jungle. This article delves into the transformative project led by architects Betsaida Curto Reyes and Atelier Ander Bados, focusing on the construction of an elementary school in this unique and often overlooked town.

The Unseen Town of Villacuri

Situated halfway between Ica and Paracas, Villacuri remains a non-place for drivers speeding along the Panamericana Sur highway. However, beneath the surface, this town thrives with thousands of inhabitants, working tirelessly in nearby agro-export companies. As night falls, Villacuri comes alive, revealing its makeshift homes, shops, and restaurants.

Educational Challenges in Villacuri

Despite its vibrant community, Villacuri faces significant challenges, particularly in education. The original school, damaged in the 2007 earthquake, was never rebuilt by the government. Over 300 students have been learning in prefabricated classrooms for years, highlighting the lack of attention from authorities.

All Hands and Hearts Initiative

In 2019, the NGO All Hands and Hearts took matters into their own hands, recognizing the urgency of rebuilding the school. The architects embarked on a mission to create a space that not only addresses the educational needs of Villacuri but also integrates seamlessly with its diverse cultural identity.

Architectural Design and Cultural Integration

The design of the school revolves around a grid of spaces with proportional dimensions, housing classrooms and service buildings. The choice of materials, such as exposed brick, concrete, mat, cane brava, and wood, not only reflects the community's identity but also contributes to cost-effectiveness.

Battling Desert Temperatures

One of the fundamental concerns addressed in the design is combating the scorching temperatures of the desert, which can reach up to 45°C. The architects ingeniously incorporate traditional Ica roofs with a ventilated air chamber using locally sourced cane brava. This, combined with cross ventilation, significantly reduces interior temperatures.

Unifying Elements of the Project

The use of wild cane and mat emerges as unifying elements, providing closure, shadow, and compartmentalization. The architects intentionally enhance the project with textures and materials that harmonize with the harsh desert environment, creating a school that seamlessly blends with its surroundings.

In conclusion, the Villacuri elementary school project is not just about construction; it's a carefully crafted continuity of the community's context. Mats, olive trees, wild cane, yuccas, and the local terrain collectively form the soul of Villacuri, now intricately woven into the fabric of the educational space. This transformative project serves as a beacon, showcasing the power of sustainable architecture and cultural integration in shaping the future of education in overlooked communities.

All photographs are work of Eleazar Cuadros