Urban Design, Gateway, Public Space, Roadways
• Project: New Entrance – San Ignacio School (CSI)
• Location: Chacao, Caracas.
• Built Area: 7,500 m²
• Architectural Team: Tragaluz Estudio de Arquitectura: Arch. Miguel Fernandez / Arch. Carmen Navarro
• Collaborators: Arch. Dayana Núñez, Arch. Daniel Acosta, Arch. Diamara Martínez, Arch. Rubén Bustamante, Arch. Matias Bruckner.
This project proposes a new location for the main entrance designed to improve the flow of external traffic (by relocating it further along Santa Teresa de Jesús Avenue, past El Bosque Street, the design utilizes a “traffic relief” zone). Internally, the new gate aligns with the green fields of the Virgen del CSI and the main facades of the high school modules, honoring the original master plan.
The architectural language seeks to reflect the symbology and values of the Compañía de Jesús through its materiality: natural, solid, and without coating.
The original project for San Ignacio School, designed by architect Erasmo Calvani around 1950, featured a southern development that underwent several modifications over time. The original entrance—which consisted of a vehicular circuit and a small parking lot—eventually shifted to a location in front of what is now the Rectorate building. This current layout presents deficiencies in its integration with the urban layout of Chacao’s historic center, as well as in its connection to the school’s main parking area.
