A square composed of nine squares. The central one rises higher to bring light into the foyer. The classrooms occupy the rest. Everything is inscribed in a circular double wall. A box opening up to the sky that forms four courtyards, suggesting the four elements: air, earth, fire, and water.

The gap between the perimeter walls is a ‘secret’ place for the children. The courtyard spaces, bordered by the curved and the straight walls, are particularly remarkable.

The central space – the highest, lit from overhead – recalls a hammam in how it gathers sunlight through nine perforations in the ceiling and three more on each of its four facades.

The children understand the building, and a book showing their expressions has been published. They’re happy there...  [+][+]