Second Place Winner
Villa Zavaleta - Public School N°30
Design by
Miranda Young, Julieta castiglione & Matias lorenzo
Juror’s Comment:
A strong and well-resolved proposal that clearly positions the school as a social catalyst. The modular strategy with a central flexible core is particularly effective in enabling community engagement, and the project demonstrates a deep understanding of its urban and social context.
Work on:
The design could explore spatial richness and architectural expression, especially in the community core, to create more distinct and memorable experiential qualities rather than relying primarily on a rational modular system.
Miranda Young, Julieta castiglione & Matias lorenzo
Matias Lorenzo: Matias is a 25-year-old architect graduated from the University of Buenos Aires. He is the founder of Estudio Sage, an architecture studio focused on design and innovation. In addition, he works as a professor in the Architecture program at the University of Buenos Aires, teaching Architecture II and Architecture IV. He also actively participates in architecture competitions either with colleagues or alone, constantly exploring new ideas and approaches to contemporary architecture.
Julieta Castiglione: Julieta is an architect graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). She has been working for 4 years in a company of thermomechanical installations as well as participating in various architectural competitions together with her two colleagues. Besides, she always updates through courses on different topics such as interior design or issues related to work at the construction site.
Miranda Young: Miranda is a 25-year-old architect graduated from the University of Buenos Aires. She works as a professor at the University of Buenos Aires, teaching History I and Theory of Architecture. In addition, she has worked in several architecture firms, utilizing Revit methodology across various projects
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
1. Concept & Interpretation
What was the central idea behind your proposal, and how did you interpret the theme “Schools as Anchors of Society” within your architectural vision?
The central idea is to transform the traditional school into a civic heart and meeting point for Villa Zavaleta. Instead of being a closed building, the project is thought as an open platform that unites classes with neighbourhood life, offering a safe haven that strengthens the sense of belonging. To achieve this, the design is organized into three parts: two solid concrete blocks at the ends (where classrooms and offices operate safely and with little maintenance) and a central space that is completely flexible. This module of the medium is open and adaptable, visually connecting the building with the street for neighbours to appropriate the place through workshops, events and cultural activities. In this way, thanks to this modular logic, the center not only becomes the most reliable public space of the neighbourhood, but also a model that can be easily replicated in other urban areas.
2. Schools as Community Hubs
Your proposal reimagines schools beyond their conventional educational role. How does your design function as a shared community space that encourages social interaction, cultural engagement, and collective participation?
The building is composed of three modules, which the central module is designed as a flexible area. This means that it can be used for different educational and cultural activities depending on school and community needs. Its spatial configuration promotes permeability and visual continuity, establishing a direct relationship between the building and its surroundings, while facilitating community ownership.
3. Inclusivity & Accessibility
How did you address inclusivity and accessibility within your design to ensure that people of different age groups, backgrounds, and community needs can engage with the space?
The project seeks to promote accessibility as a central design principle, ensuring that the building can be used by people of all ages and abilities. All areas of circulation were designed without barriers, with wide corridors and clear visual connections that facilitate the flow of people. The building also includes workshops for adults, such as mechanics and gardening, fostering skills development, job opportunities and social inclusion.
4. Spatial Flexibility & Adaptability
Adaptability was an important aspect of the competition brief. How does your proposal accommodate diverse activities, events, and evolving community requirements throughout the year?
The proposed programs for this project are designed to adapt over the years according to the needs of the building and people. For example, workshop classrooms can change the content or type of classes offered to the community, as can the auditorium and laboratories. In addition, as mentioned above, the central module allows the space to be open, adaptable and multifunctional. Modular logic allows the project to function as a replicable system, capable of adapting to different urban conditions without losing its architectural identity.
5. Educational & Social Impact
In what ways does your design strengthen the relationship between education and community development? What kind of social impact do you envision your proposal creating?
When we were working on this project, we wanted to create a place where the community of Villa Zavaleta could develop from education. As a result of a study of community needs, we considered it necessary to think about a series of classrooms and workshops that could be used to offer different classes and activities. We also believe that including a public library is important for encouraging study and learning within the community. Also, the core sector can be used as an extension and connection between activities carried out inside and outside the school. The proposal directly addresses the structural vulnerabilities of Villa Zavaleta, where more than 40% of the population is composed of children and young people facing severe housing shortages and overcrowding. The project’s main impact is spatial: it provides a safe and climate-resilient haven that compensates for domestic overcrowding. By integrating technical workshops and a public library, the building extends its operation to accommodate adult job training, combating informal employment and fostering community autonomy.
6. Sustainability & Environmental Response
How did you incorporate sustainable design strategies into your proposal? Please share how elements such as material selection, energy efficiency, green spaces, or environmental responsiveness contributed to the project.
In addition to thinking about the best for the community, we also considered sustainability an important element of the project. That’s why we incorporated the use of simple building systems and durable materials, such as prefabricated concrete panels for rigid buildings and a wooden beam structure for the third flexible module. These design decisions minimize environmental impact while ensuring long-term efficiency and low maintenance. We also consider incorporating productive green roofs that provide numerous benefits: they reduce the effect of urban heat island, improve air quality and function as protection for the building. In addition, people can work on these decks and then continue in the plant laboratory. In this way, the project achieves a balanced relationship between architectural performance, social responsibility and environmental awareness.
7. Architectural Experience & Identity
How did you balance functionality with architectural expression? What kind of spatial atmosphere or emotional experience were you aiming to create for students and the wider community?
We believe that, for the development of a functional community, it is necessary to create meeting spaces where people can carry out different activities and have a place that promotes community unity. Through accessible circulations, community-oriented workshops, urban gardens and strong connections with health and education institutions, the project reinforces its role as a social and spatial integrator. The idea is to create a project that allows people to express themselves freely and together.
8. The Future of Educational Spaces
How do you believe architecture can redefine the future role of schools within cities and communities? What changes do you think are necessary in the way educational spaces are designed today?
Lina Bo Bardi said that architecture is a social act. We believe that spaces not only serve an aesthetic or technical function, but also influence people’s lives and the way they relate to the city. In this sense, school architecture has the potential to redefine the future role of schools within cities and communities, transforming them into more open, inclusive, and participatory spaces.
Traditionally, schools were conceived as closed buildings, separated from urban dynamics. We consider that these spaces should be thought of as community centers where not only is taught, but also where culture, encounter and social coexistence are shared. Flexible spaces, integrated stands, open yards and multifunctional areas can allow the school to remain active outside of school hours, strengthening the link between education and community.
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