Jadgal School

A project of the NGO Iran-e-Man, this educational center for children is also a gathering and learning place for people of the Iranian village of Seyed-Bar

The budget was limited but the Tehran-based Daaz Office, with Arash Aliabadi at the helm, had the physical and financial participation of the villagers to rely on. With a built area of 480 m2, the complex comprises four classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall incorporating a sewing shop, and yards for open-air play and activities. The revenue coming from this community center’s use as a tourist residence and from the sale of items made in the needlework shop go into maintenance of the premises.

The building was raised with polystyrene panels, galvanized iron profiles, and reinforced concrete. The circular shape of the schoolyard and the layout of the classrooms pursue a concept of learning together, without hierarchies.  Like a playful skin, the surrounding wall presents openings varying in size, drawing inspiration from the idea of challenging the political and social notion of boundaries – fostering critical thought among the villagers and empowering rural women – and making it a lever for building a school.