Reggio School in Madrid,
project: Andrés Jaque/
Office for Political Innovation
The Reggio School in Madrid, designed by Spanish architect Andrés Jaque of the Andrés Jaque/ Office for Political Innovation studio, presents an innovative approach to the design of educational spaces. The building's concept is based on the philosophy of Loris Malaguzzi and the experience of the Reggio nell "Emilia community, which emphasize the central role of the child in the educational process. The building is located adjacent to a park in Madrid's new Valdebebas neighborhood, and departs from the traditional school model based on closed classrooms and corridors. Instead, it proposes open common spaces, gardens, greenhouses and a facade finished with a 14-centimeter layer of cork that serves as insulation and aesthetics. In 2024, Collegio Reggio was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Prize, awarded for innovative achievements in architecture within the European Union.
The Reggio School in Madrid - most of the building's facade is made of cork, which gives the walls a raw texture
photo by José Hevia © Andrés Jaque / Office for Political Innovation
A vertical structure in harmony with its surroundings
The Reggio School, located in Madrid's Encinar de los Reyes neighborhood, stands out from the surrounding brick buildings and single-family homes. Unlike most educational facilities, which typically expand horizontally, this building was designed in a vertical form. This approach makes optimal use of the limited space of the plot.
Reggio School in Madrid - diagram of the vertical structure of the building
© Andrés Jaque / Office for Political Innovation
cork facade: harmony with nature and functionality
The building's facade is made of cork, specially prepared for this project. This material provides high thermal insulation, and additionally creates conditions conducive to the growth of microorganisms and insects, which supports local biodiversity. The distinctive rough texture of the facade, inspired by the natural processes of ecosystems, emphasizes the building's connection with the surrounding nature. The use of skylights and vertical glazing in the facade allows natural light to flow effectively into the interior, and gives the facade a rhythmic layout and greater transparency. Geometric details further organize the structure of the facade, creating a coherent and functional whole.
Reggio School in Madrid - the use of skylights and vertical glazing gives the facade a rhythmic layout
photo by José Hevia © Andrés Jaque / Office for Political Innovation
eco-architecture at the service of education: a space for learning and collaboration
The project combines an experimental approach to eco-architecture with an educational model based on collaboration and exploration. The space was designed to actively support the learning process - its layout and architectural elements encourage students to explore and foster their intellectual and social development.
Reggio School in Madrid - a close-up view of the facade detail
Photo by José Hevia © Andrés Jaque / Office for Political Innovation
school inspired by postmodernism
The school's design reflects the characteristics of postmodernism: geometric forms coexist with advanced ecological solutions, and the variety of materials and architectural elements emphasizes pluralism and freedom in shaping the space. The interiors are distinguished by their open layout - the absence of partitions unrelated to structural function and exposed technical installations, such as pipes and wires, highlight the rawness of materials and allow for practical use of space.
Reggio School in Madrid - the interiors are distinguished by their open layout
Photo by José Hevia © Andrés Jaque / Office for Political Innovation
layers of education: age-appropriate spaces for discovery
The first floor, which seamlessly connects to the outdoor area, houses classrooms for the youngest students. The upper floors, designed for older children, surround a rain-fed indoor garden. This green zone, enclosed in a greenhouse-like structure, extends all the way to the roof, creating a layout reminiscent of a small settlement. The layout of the space reflects the developmental stages of the students: the higher the floor, the more opportunities for independent exploration of the surroundings. The second level, with an area of 465 square meters and a height of almost 8 meters, serves as an open meeting area. Wide arches allow contact with nature - the air and the scent of nearby oak trees.
Reggio School in Madrid - the upper floors, intended for older children, surround a rain-fed interior garden
Photo by José Hevia © Andrés Jaque / Office for Political Innovation
ecological foundation of the project
Ecology is a key element of the building, based on four assumptions:
1. vertical massing reduces the footprint of the site.
2. Simplified design reduces material consumption by 48 percent.
3. The cork façade, covering 80 percent of the facade, reduces heating demand by 50 percent and supports biodiversity.
4. Optimization of the structure under the direction of Iago González Quelle reduces energy consumption by 33 percent.
Reggio School in Madrid - one of the classrooms
Photo by José Hevia © Andrés Jaque / Office for Political Innovation
Dialogue with teachers, students and parents allowed the space to be tailored to their needs. The building integrates with Valdebebas Park, creating a place open to diversity and intergenerational interaction. The Reggio School in Madrid is an example of architecture that combines functionality, ecology and community, supporting both education and harmony with nature.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Andrés Jaque/ Office for Political Innovation studio .
