project by Sordo Madaleno folds into the earth in mexico

 

Architecture studio Sordo Madaleno unveils the Canadian School, a structure that appears to be an extension of the land in Mexico. In Cholula, Puebla, where the world’s largest pre-Hispanic pyramid rises and the Popocatépetl volcano looms in the distance, the school, now under construction, folds into the terrain. Its rooftop serves as a park, accessible from the street, while the classrooms below are surrounded by gardens and courtyards. ‘This school is a canvas where learning and nature meet,’ notes Fernando Sordo Madaleno, partner at the firm. ‘Architecture becomes an experiential tool that merges with the playground.’

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid
all renderings by Sordo Madaleno, unless stated otherwise

 

 

seven circular buildings form the Canadian School building

 

The Mexican team of Sordo Madaleno uses the natural 3-meter slope of the site to organize the school into two experiences. Above, a park-like roof connects to the playground; below, a sheltered world hosts learning. ‘This typology allowed us to challenge traditional design approaches. Despite the defined boundary, we envisioned a central space that integrates with the surrounding environment. The building itself becomes part of the playground, blending into the environment. From this vantage point, the school can be seen in harmony with the nearby volcano,’ explains Fernando Sordo Madaleno

 

The layout itself breaks from the linear school format with a radial plan, made up of seven circular buildings divided into 24 wedge-like segments. These house everything from classrooms and offices to a cafeteria, gardens, and sports facilities. The spaces open inward toward shared courtyards, creating a sense of community and openness. Importantly, 62% of the site remains unbuilt, turning the school into a porous landscape.

 

The architects custom-made concrete blocks specifically for this project, rugged and durable, but also expressive of the volcanic terrain. These blocks reduce long-term maintenance and reinforce the modular character of the layout. 

‘Canadian School is inspired by the volcanic context and memory land of the site. Its design is presented as a building that blends with the natural topography.’ shares Fernando Sordo Madaleno.

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid
Sordo Madaleno unveils the Canadian School | render by MIR 

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid
the structure, whose rooftop serves as a park, appears to be an extension of the land | render by MIR

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid
the school folds into the terrain | render by MIR

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid
the classrooms are surrounded by gardens and courtyards | render by MIR