O Menino e O Mar

This project aims to promote education for children up to 14 years old from very poor families living on the northern coast of the State of São Paulo (300 km from the city of São Paulo). In addition to basic conventional education, the Center develops activities in handicrafts, dance, theater, and music.
This project, coordinated by Ruth Escobar, seeks to contribute so that these excluded children may become citizens of tomorrow, with dignity.
The urban plan consists of an axis, which has a small arena at its center.
To the west is the “Fisher Boy Pavilion,” intended for exhibitions, celebrations, and festivities, measuring 6 m in width and 23 m in length, with variable height from 2.45 to 5.00 m in a curved profile. It takes the form of a fish, and its structure is an arch with brick roofing. On each side, woven bamboo, made by local artisans, allows air circulation beneath the roof and casts bands of crossed shadows onto the concrete floor.
To the north, a medical station, nursing facilities, and a daycare center were designed, sheltered by a long undulating wall (60 m), displaying exuberant colors.