Omar Harb

advisor

Phoenicia University

Lebanon

As an architect and founder of Omar Harb Architects & Associates, my work centers on creating… more

Olga Nesterova’s primary school design thoughtfully addresses the needs of a small village community by creating a safe, functional, and inspiring environment for children’s education and development. The innovative “X” shaped layout not only symbolizes the intersection of knowledge, creativity, and interaction but also effectively organizes the internal program into clear zones for classrooms, sports, and administration.

The design shows strong consideration for natural ventilation and daylight, enhancing the comfort and sustainability of the school. Locating outdoor and sports areas away from the busy street contributes significantly to safety and tranquility for the students. The project demonstrates a well-balanced approach between symbolism, function, and context.

Overall, the project successfully responds to the social and environmental requirements of a rural educational facility, offering a clear spatial concept that supports learning, creativity, and community engagement.

1-Human Scale and Interior Experience:
While the “X” layout is organizationally strong, consider how the interiors feel from a child’s perspective. Are there moments of warmth, color, and tactile materials that help scale the building to young users and make it feel welcoming rather than institutional?

2-Circulation Clarity:
The intersection point of the “X” is a critical node—likely a common area or main corridor. Emphasizing this space architecturally (with a skylight, internal courtyard, or multipurpose function) could make it a vibrant heart of the school rather than just a passage point.

3-Flexibility of Learning Spaces:
As education models evolve, classrooms should support flexibility and varied teaching styles. Consider integrating movable partitions or multipurpose zones to allow teachers and students to adapt spaces based on activity and age group.

4-Material and Structural Expression:
More information on construction materials and structural systems would strengthen the architectural argument. Using natural or locally sourced materials can connect the school more closely to its village context, both culturally and environmentally.

5-Landscape and Outdoor Learning:
Since outdoor space is an important part of the concept, consider how landscape design can support informal learning, sensory engagement, and play. Elements like garden beds, shaded reading corners, or small amphitheaters could enhance educational value.

6-Energy & Environmental Strategy:
Natural ventilation and lighting are a great start, but could the project go further? Simple passive systems, solar shading, and rainwater harvesting could make the school a model of low-tech sustainability that’s replicable in similar rural contexts.