Combining steel, sandstone and canvas in the open air, the school, with the help of SHW Group Architects, constructed a series of outdoor learning spaces that embody the history of San Antonio. Emulating the flow of the San Antonio River, each of the five 4,000-square-foot courtyards representing the five missions established in the city, are situated along the school’s center corridor.
Despite being oriented on an east/west axis to reduce the heating load from the sun, stagnant air was still a concern in terms of comfort in these outdoor “classroom” settings. Outdoor, wet-rated Isis fans from the Big Ass Fan Co. were installed to increase comfort in the courtyards with silent, soft breezes.
Considering the nature of the space, silence was imperative to allow for a learning environment on par with the indoor classrooms. Blending into the space, the fan’s anodized aluminum airfoils mix nicely with the corrected metal and sandstone walls and stand out well against the multicolored canopies that provide the necessary shade. The Isis fan’s effectiveness lies in its ability to move large volumes of air slowly and gently without disrupting the quiet atmosphere of the space.
According to Architect Michael Martinez, good architectural practices simply lend themselves to good design when creating a functional outdoor space, especially considering the unforgiving Texas heat.
Architect: SHW Group Architects, San Antonio
Fans: Big Ass Fan Co., Lexington, Ky., www.bigassfans.com
