MAB3 Arquitetura won a competition in 2016 to renovate the campus of the Graded American School in São Paulo. This renovation encompassed not only the existing buildings, but also the creation of new areas. For the entire campus, a concept was developed to reinforce the school’s colours, introduce a new visual identity, incorporate technology into the learning spaces and make the areas welcoming and attractive to students.
The new lower secondary library was designed on a 470 m² space and was completed in 2023. The idea was to infuse a playful character into the environment, allowing the children to use the space comfortably. We created an integrated library that maintained a cosy feel through the use of wood, upholstery, organic shapes, greenery and low shelving.
Existing columns in the building were used to create illuminated trees, enhancing the playful character. The organic ceiling design with recessed lighting further accentuates this theme.
Bespoke cabinets wrap around the entire space at low height, making the shelves ergonomic for students to access and reach books. The undulating shelves under the windows create islands of greenery in the space.
In the centre of the library, a set of rounded steps is transformed into a small amphitheatre for storytelling and lectures.
Between the librarian’s desk and the amphitheatre, there is a climbing area with a raised reading platform surrounded by a cargo net: an informal and relaxing retreat. Below, a toy-filled space allows students to play and create. The variety of seating, from upholstered benches to stone-shaped poufs and hidden nooks and crannies in the shelves, creates a welcoming environment for students.
At the opposite end of the library is a classroom for group study, with curved desks, a large slanted window and a fibre optic installation in the ceiling that creates the illusion of a starry sky.
Behind the librarian’s desk are the back office, meeting room and staff room, with glass partitions and the same carpentry design as the library, visually integrating all the spaces.
Project: Biblioteca de la Graded American School,
Location: São Paulo. Brasil
Architecture: MAB3 Arquitetura.
Architects: Marcela Muniz, Renata Adoni, Mariana Bilman, Julia Lara Silva, Ana Clara Marinho.
Photography: Maurício Moreno.
Text: MAB3 Arquitetura.
MAB3 Arquitectura
With varied experience and similar goals, architects Marcela Muniz, Renata Adoni and Mariana Bilman saw in MAB3 the possibility of developing architectural projects – both residential and commercial – based on innovative and contemporary ideas. After more than seven years working together at the renowned architecture studio Studio Arthur Casas, they decided to create their own architecture studio where they would develop a new story through a fresh look.
MAB3 Architecture is aimed at a public that does not renounce quality, concept and sophistication. The MAB3 difference is the ease with which it interprets the desires and identity of each client. They like to know the particular universe of each client in order to offer them unique and differentiated projects that meet their needs, always with an original, flexible and cosmopolitan vision.
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