CPUT
Yusuf Sampson
2
210044594
nd
year architectural technology
Y.S. Innovations & Designs Major Integrated Project 2011: Milestone 1 – Part C In my opinion, a suitable intervention for St. Michaels Elementary school would not involve altering the existing structure, or the classrooms inside. Rather, I would propose a new covered outdoor space which can be used as an open-air classroom and/or shaded play area. The intervention could be a simple pergola type structure(s) constructed of timber/gumpole and could be easily constructed within several short days. The placement of such an intervention could be: a) directly in front of the classrooms, creating a separate extension to the afdak and creating a softer transition between inside and outside, where a step could be introduced to the existing stoep for it to be able to be used as seating or b) close to the shade trees, creating a semi-formal space while taking advantage of the natural cover of the trees, creating transition between the natural environment and the learning environment (I have stated this as an example as during my own elementary school years we often had lessons under the trees on hot summer days). The function of this intervention would be to break away from the conventional ‘military’ methods of learning and expose the children to a space which is more, bearable, enjoyable and fun to learn in which will make them love coming to school. The space would also exercise their spatial experience by breaking away from the confinement of the classrooms four walls, it would encourage them to think out-of-the-box and give them a place to spend their break times. The technology of this intervention could consist either entirely of gumpole, sized/PAR timber or a synthesis of both, with a material such as shade cloth or opaque roof sheeting to be used as a covering. The uprights of the structure would take a morning for students to set out, dig/plant and stay in place and depending on the type of footing used, the rest of the construction could continue on the same day, or the following day if concrete footings are used. The fixing of overhead members to the uprights would follow standard conventions, usually a cup-square bolt and nut through the members in question. The main framework of the structure could be complete in two to three days, leaving the remaining days to secure the shade cloth/roof coverings to the structure, where after the structure would become usable immediately. Whilst this main intervention is being constructed, improvements to the existing buildings can be made, like repainting the classrooms, making shelving and storage place inside and outside, a new vegetable garden could be introduced and greenery could be planted around main parts of the school grounds. This would give all the students a doable task to complete during the course of the design-build.