Child Development Centre in León Cortés

Overview

The Child Development Centre in León Cortés is located in the coffee-growing region south of the Central Valley, in a community made up largely of coffee-picking families. The project organises its functions along a covered axis that connects classrooms, dining room, services and play areas. It is a clear and sheltered route for girls and boys, safe and inclusive along its whole length.

The design starts from its territory. Timber in floors, walls and lattices evokes the materiality of the region’s coffee mills and brings warmth to the space. The corrugated sheet roof draws on Costa Rican rural architecture. Cross ventilation reduces dependence on mechanical systems. Courtyards and outdoor green areas encourage play and contact with the natural setting of the coffee region.

The centre meets the functional needs of early childhood and strengthens the cultural identity of a community that works the land. Its 350 m² serve as a place of encounter and growth for the children of León Cortés.