Before discussing how and by whom this project is internationally acclaimed, it is important to recognize its regional relevance. Built for the University of Piura, this classroom building is a robust educational project located in the middle of the northern desert. In light of the events of 2017 in various parts of Peru caused by the devastating El Niño phenomenon—where the north was hit hardest, losing many poorly situated buildings made of inadequate materials—this building stands firm. It exemplifies how to intervene with sensitivity, coherence, and respect for the local climate and landscape, serving as a replicable model for national reconstruction. Furthermore, it represents a major contribution to improving the quality of—and investment in—educational spaces outside the capital, promoting decentralization and offering better education and opportunities to students.
Beyond its domestic impact, the project has also garnered significant international recognition:
Venice Architecture Biennale 2018:
THE FIRST PERUVIAN ARCHITECTS INVITED TO THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION
“Freespace” is the central theme of the Venice Architecture Biennale, where curators Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara describe the concept as “the ability of architecture to find additional and unexpected generosity in each project,” among other values. To illustrate this theme, a main exhibition in the Central Pavilion will feature 71 participants from around the world, including architects Sandra Barclay and Jean Pierre Crousse. They are the first Peruvian architects to be invited as exhibitors to the Venice Biennale, which opens on May 26.
This is not the first time the duo has represented Peru at the exhibition; in the 2016 Venice Biennale, they curated the Peruvian Pavilion under the theme “Our Amazon Frontline,” showcasing the impact of the Plan Selva project, which received a Special Mention. While this marks the first time Peruvian architects will exhibit in the main Central Pavilion, it is also the fourth time Peru is presenting a national pavilion—this year featuring the exhibition "In Reserve" led by architect Marianela Castro de la Borda.
MCHAP - Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize 2018:
THE UNIVERSITY OF PIURA CLASSROOM BUILDING AMONG THE 31 SELECTED PROJECTS
Out of all of Barclay & Crousse's projects, the classroom building designed for the University of Piura was ultimately selected. The project stands out for leveraging the benefits of the Piura landscape. At the Biennale, they will demonstrate how architectural generosity is generated, evidenced by the shade the building provides and its ability to lower the temperature by up to 5 degrees Celsius compared to the outdoors. The architects will set up a small installation—a replica of "Edificio E"—showing the building's key elements, project a video about the use of the space, and present a booklet on the classroom building's day-to-day use.
The Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP), organized by the Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture, is a biennial award recognizing the most outstanding architectural works built in North and South America. Out of 170 entries for the 2018 cycle, 31 were recognized as Outstanding Projects by this year's MCHAP Jury, with Barclay & Crousse's UDEP classroom building serving as the sole representative of Peruvian architecture.
Conceived as an extension of the dry carob forest characteristic of the northern Peruvian desert, the building provides shade in a hot, dry climate. It offers students at the University of Piura a much-needed gathering space for informal learning between classes, featuring wide, open circulation paths protected from the intense glare of the sun.
In the initial stage, among the 170 nominees, other prominent Peruvian projects were featured, including works by Mariana Leguía, Enrique Santillana + Tandem Arquitectos, and Román Bauer, among others. Following this selection, the finalist projects will be announced in July, and the winner will be declared in October 2018.
+ Project Info
Covering an area of 9,500 square meters, this new classroom and faculty office building was constructed on the campus of the University of Piura, located in the hot desert of northern Peru. The project was completed in 2016.
A constellation of 10 buildings is integrated by a system of ramps, pathways, courtyards, and gardens within a 70 x 70-meter square perimeter. Five typical units are assembled within this footprint to create a wide variety of open yet protected spaces for students and faculty members, including informal study areas, cafes, meeting spaces, and lounges.
This article was written by Delia Bayona. The translation is powered by AI.
