1. ArchDaily
  2. gruposp

gruposp: The Latest Architecture and News

Prefabricated Public Schools: 7 Brazilian Projects in Plan and Section

Prefabricated Public Schools: 7 Brazilian Projects in Plan and Section - Image 7 of 4
Telemaco State School Melges / UNA Arquitetos. Image © Nelson Kon

Great school design is more than just a good piece of architecture. Particularly in vulnerable areas with poor public infrastructure, schools symbolize the role of the state and education as a transforming agent for social improvement. They can also become areas for community life, sports, courses, among other uses. Unfortunately, these projects do not always receive the attention they deserve. 

Schools require diverse and complex programs and flows, therefore, developing an educational project is one of the greatest challenges for architects. Due to the economy, rationalization, and speed of work, Brazil's largest portion of school projects are designed from prefabricated concrete elements with rigid modulations and, in rare cases, steel. But what may seem to limit at first, can actually become an exercise in structural creativity. 

In an attempt to elucidate the systems used to materialize these projects, we've selected a compilation of seven prefabricated schools in plan and section to create incredible spaces for learning. 

How Inverted King Post Trusses Allow for Large, Elegant Open Spaces

How Inverted King Post Trusses Allow for Large, Elegant Open Spaces - Image 4 of 4
SEBRAE Headquarters / gruposp + Luciano Margotto. Image © Nelson Kon

Inverted king post trusses are made of steel bars and cables used to reduce bending, deformation, and a trusses’ height. In other words, they are a collection of continuous beams (steel or wood) and steel cables that are positioned under the beam, supported by an upright king post. Although slender, they are suited for large spans and have small sections.

How Inverted King Post Trusses Allow for Large, Elegant Open Spaces - Featured ImageHow Inverted King Post Trusses Allow for Large, Elegant Open Spaces - Image 1 of 4How Inverted King Post Trusses Allow for Large, Elegant Open Spaces - Image 2 of 4How Inverted King Post Trusses Allow for Large, Elegant Open Spaces - Image 3 of 4How Inverted King Post Trusses Allow for Large, Elegant Open Spaces - More Images+ 12

Simpatia Street Housing / gruposp

Simpatia Street Housing / gruposp - Apartments, Door, Facade, Beam, Column, ArchSimpatia Street Housing / gruposp - Apartments, Fence, Facade, Handrail, ColumnSimpatia Street Housing / gruposp - Apartments, Facade, Balcony, Door, HandrailSimpatia Street Housing / gruposp - Apartments, FacadeSimpatia Street Housing / gruposp - More Images+ 27

São Paulo, Brazil

Sebrae Headquarters / gruposp + Luciano Margotto

Sebrae Headquarters / gruposp + Luciano Margotto - Office Buildings, Facade, CityscapeSebrae Headquarters / gruposp + Luciano Margotto - Office Buildings, FacadeSebrae Headquarters / gruposp + Luciano Margotto - Office Buildings, Facade, BeamSebrae Headquarters / gruposp + Luciano Margotto - Office Buildings, Facade, HandrailSebrae Headquarters / gruposp + Luciano Margotto - More Images+ 69

Morro do Querosene House / gruposp

Morro do Querosene House / gruposp - Houses, Facade, Door, StairsMorro do Querosene House / gruposp - Houses, FacadeMorro do Querosene House / gruposp - Houses, Table, ChairMorro do Querosene House / gruposp - Houses, Beam, Chair, TableMorro do Querosene House / gruposp - More Images+ 22

Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Architects: Grupo SP: gruposp
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  360
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2008
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Anhanguera, Deca, Ladrilhos Saltense, Perfilor, SO BLOCO
  • Professionals: Ramoska & Castellani