Primary School Kiro Gligorov
The realization of the “Kiro Gligorov” Primary School in Skopje, North Macedonia is the outcome of an open competition, organized by the Municipality of Center – Skopje in 2013. Construction started in late 2016 and the school opened its doors in September 2019.
The context configuration and placement of the various physical structures in and around the site itself, their porousness and openness creates an exceptional quality – the flow of a green mass, did prompt us to translate it into the school design process itself. The presence of greenery on the plot and the creation of a symbiosis between the school and the park was the goal that led us through the work. The structure of the building spans in the east-west direction and with its size it follows the pre-defined envelope but with some exceptions, in order to gain functional and aesthetic qualities.
The architectural concept, the spatial form and the shape of the composition are certainly not accidental, much less imposing. It reflects the organizational structures at the functional, technical, material and aesthetic level of the building.
The structure of the building is subdivided into three basic tracts - strips, the middle of which is for joint activities while the lateral ones are for learning. Moving and opening tracts opens up visions, defines the entrance, inserts nature into the school, and creates new spaces for learning and play - a place that will inspire future generations.
The conception of a functional, utilitarian and pleasant environment, integrated into the educational process, through formal and informal, interactive and open learning systems, learning in natural environment with the sole purpose of opening new perspectives for the youngest.
In the material sense, we wanted to be truthful in expression; the solid volumes of the building contrast with the transparent surfaces, through which the inside-outside relationship is melted. This allows nature to become part of the interior so students will have a constant view of the lush greenery while staying or moving around the school.
Through this project and with the design approach itself - the organization of individual spaces, integration with nature, the creation of educational thematic corners, and spaces for interaction - we tend to make a contribution by elevating and advancing the educational process and creating future generations within the framework of our domain – architecture.