Project Data:

Completion Date:     5/31/2022

Square Footage:      10646

Building Use:           High School

Design Architect:      Gensler

Project Description:

El Porvenir High School is a testament to the power of design and passion to help the less fortunate. Located in the rural migrant farming community of San Telmo (formerly known as Heroes de Chapultepec), it is one of the poorest communities in Mexico which left children as young as 10 years old vulnerable to gangs, drugs and prostitution for survival. El Porvenir Elementary School began in 2008 as a vision for children to break out of the poverty cycle through education orignially serving 60 students and has since grown to provide both a middle school and elementary school education to over 270 students. El Porvenir High School will become the first and only high school local to San Telmo. It will give elementary and junior high aged students the path towards a college education by offering a complete high school education, grades 10-12.

El Porvenir features pioneer programs, such as wood shop and metal shop, that offer solutions outside of migrant farming and the ability to be trained in the trades. The project also features three classrooms, a science lab, computer lab, and necessary administrative spaces for faculty and staff. Its open courtyard is framed by a community garden and greenhouse that maximizes outdoor space and provides a platform for community events, celebrations, and cultural functions - becoming a resource to students and teachers alike.

The building responds to vernacular architecture by integrating with the existing structures, opening up to the most public faces of the campus, and utilizing local and repurposed building materials. Local CMU blocks will be used as the primary structure, reducing cost of shipping and importing materials. Salvaged wood from the demolished buildings on site are repurposed for the exterior cladding. Additionally, the project will be the pilot project for gSalvage, a sharing platform that promotes the sharing of surplus materials through a network of consultants, clients, and projects. El Porvenir has been connected with several projects across California as a way to source furniture, fixtures, and finishes from existing projects slated to be demolished.

To help elevate long term operating costs and minimize power usage, the building designed without an HVAC system. Utilizing natural light, ventilation, and taking advantage of a corner light patio for day-to-day use helps conserve energy and provide adequate air flow. Outdoor spaces are maximized to integrate with the interior which reduces boundaries between the built environment and its natural context.

El Porvenir originally began as a vision in 2008 to bring education to San Telmo's youngest. Today, it stands to bridge the last remaining educational gap in San Telmo for a college-level education. Sending San Telmo's students to University is no long just a dream, but will soon become reality. Its design responds to the challenges of being located in a rural context with minimal resources by utilizing local strategies to create thoughtful, integrated, and intentional spaces. The impact of this High School upon its community and its clients are sure to compound in the generations to come.