EL PASO MONTESSORI by yasmine o.s.

Maria Yasmine. Surovec is a Creative Designer, Researcher, Trend Forecaser, and M.Arch student based in Phoenix, Arizona. She has designed thousands of products and spaces, working with companies such as Petsmart Corp., Disney, Target, Home Depot, Pottery Barn, Nate & Jeremiah, and more. Inspired by nature, she's trekked stunning locations like the Catalinas, the Grand Canyon, and Taal Volcano. Currently pursuing a Master of Architecture and GIS certification, she aims to transition into urban planning, design, and strategies.

The site on 400 S. Virginia in Downtown El Paso is an urban area that boasts a mixture of historic and modern architecture. The site-specific elements that need to be considered within this area include the climate and solar performance, noise, pollution, hydrology, vegetation, and other environmental factors. Each of these elements can significantly affect the performance and environmental impact of the proposed school building.

Climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters with low annual precipitation. The high levels of solar radiation and temperature fluctuations throughout the year are to be taken into account in the design of the school. The school building should be designed to provide shade and ventilation during the summer months while maximizing sunlight during the winter months. The use of active and passive design elements can help reduce energy consumption and create a more comfortable indoor environment.

Solar is another factor that can affect the design of a new school building. The high levels of solar radiation can lead to increased heat gain, which must be mitigated through the use of shading devices and efficient glazing systems. Furthermore, the orientation and positioning of the building will be carefully considered to maximize solar exposure during the winter months.

Noise levels in downtown El Paso can be high due to the presence of highways, trains, and other and local traffic. Placement of windows, ventilation systems, and circulation areas are to be taken into consideration to minimize how noise travels throughout the school. The use of sound-absorbing materials and acoustic design principles, as well as trees, can also create a more comfortable indoor environment.

Air pollution is a significant concern in downtown El Paso, with high levels of dust and ozone during the summer months. To lesses the effects of air pollution, buildings should be designed to provide adequate ventilation systems. The use of low-emitting materials and sustainable building practices can also help reduce the environmental impact.

Water resources should be taken into consideration due to the region's semi-arid climate and limited water resources. The Rio Grande river, which flows through the city, is the primary source of water for the area, but it is often overused and depleted. In addition to this, El Paso relies on underground aquifers for its water supply, which are also being depleted faster than they can be recharged. A lack of water resources in the region has led to strict water conservation measures, such as watering restrictions and the use of low-flow fixtures and appliances in buildings. In addition, El Paso has implemented programs to encourage water conservation, such as rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse. Stormwater management is also an important aspect of hydrology in El Paso. Because of the region's low precipitation levels and sporadic rainfall, stormwater can cause significant erosion and flooding. To mitigate these effects, the city has implemented various stormwater management systems.

Vegetation in downtown El Paso is limited, with few trees and shrubs present in the area. Incorporating green infrastructure, such as green roofs, vertical gardens, and other forms of vegetation, can provide numerous environmental benefits. These benefits include improved air quality and reduced stormwater runoff.