Diseño para una Institución Educativa Rural en La Mesa de los Santos, Santander

Abstract

This project proposes the architectural design of a rural educational institution in Los Santos, Santander, aimed at developing social and pedagogical functions that foster learning and community interaction. The proposal is based on the Guidelines for Rural Educational Infrastructure and the Colombian Technical Standard NTC 4595 on the design of school environments. From the first document, the type of institution implemented in the proposal is defined as Type A5 preschool, primary, secondary, and upper secondary levels with a capacity for 240 students. In addition to these regulations, the project considers national and international references, creating a context-sensitive proposal that adapts its criteria to the geographic, climatic, and sociocultural conditions of the region. The final design prioritizes modular and flexible spaces capable of adapting to diverse activities and user needs, as well as circulation routes and access points that facilitate movement and integration among different areas. The site layout seeks to harmonize architecture with the landscape, taking advantage of environmental conditions and promoting the efficient use of resources. In this way, the project is conceived as a functional, inclusive, and contextually grounded educational infrastructure that contributes to strengthening rural education and community development.