Architectural Cases

The Sonomoro Preschool, a notable project by Semillas, stands as a testament to community-driven architecture in the central jungle of Peru. This institution, completed in 2023, was designed to serve over 70 young learners from the Nomatsigenga ethnic group in Sonomoro. With a footprint of 596 square meters, the school's design thoughtfully incorporates indigenous customs and educational philosophies, aiming to enrich children's learning experiences through a strong bond with their cultural landscape. The initiative underscores a collaborative effort to deliver early childhood education that respects and celebrates local heritage and spatial traditions.

Sonomoro Preschool: A New Educational Landmark in the Heart of Peru

In the vibrant, verdant expanse of San Martín de Pangoa, Peru, a groundbreaking educational facility, the Sonomoro Preschool, has emerged as a beacon of learning and cultural preservation. Inaugurated in 2023, this 596-square-meter campus is the brainchild of the architectural firm Semillas, with Marta Maccaglia at the helm as lead architect. Situated strategically within the indigenous Nomatsigenga community of Sonomoro, the preschool is more than just a building; it is a living embodiment of the community's aspiration to provide high-quality early childhood education for its more than 70 young inhabitants. The project was brought to fruition through the collective efforts of the Municipalidad Distrital de Pangoa, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation – Germany (BENGO), and Ein Herz für Kinder, with co-financing from the Municipalidad Provincial de Satipo and the Comunidad Nativa San Antonio de Sonomoro. The design team, including Susanna Olivieri, Fiorella Mendoza, Giulia Panto, Federica Coveri, Denisse Covasinne, Chiara Bonfiglio, and Arianna Bordignon, under the guidance of team lead Giulia Perri, meticulously crafted a space that resonates with the local environment and the Nomatsigenga way of life. Eleazar Cuadros's evocative photography captures the essence of this remarkable structure, which blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings while offering a stimulating and culturally resonant learning environment.

This architectural endeavor in Sonomoro offers a profound insight into how contemporary design can harmoniously merge with indigenous cultural values. The establishment of this preschool not only addresses a critical educational need but also champions the preservation of local identity and traditional knowledge. It demonstrates that by collaborating with and listening to the community, architects can create spaces that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful and empowering. The Sonomoro Preschool serves as an inspiring model for future development projects in indigenous territories, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and community participation in shaping environments that foster growth, learning, and a strong sense of belonging.

Ambulance for Monuments, a recipient of the ArchDaily 2025 Next Practices Award, is a critical initiative focused on preserving Romania's imperiled architectural legacy. This organization addresses the urgent decline of historical edifices, ranging from ancient churches to rural dwellings, which have lost their traditional support systems due to factors such as emigration and the consequent depletion of local skills. The project's core strategy involves rapid, targeted interventions—likened to medical first aid—to stabilize endangered structures, thereby preventing further deterioration and ensuring their potential for future comprehensive restoration or adaptive reuse. Their mobile units, fully equipped with necessary tools and personnel, enable timely responses that are essential for safeguarding these invaluable landmarks.

The project's success is deeply rooted in its innovative, collaborative framework and its commitment to education. By integrating professionals, students, local artisans, and community members, Ambulance for Monuments redefines the role of architectural practice in heritage conservation, emphasizing soft skills, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence over conventional design. Their AmbuLab program provides practical, hands-on training for emerging restoration experts, fostering a new generation capable of contributing to sustainable architectural practices. This interdisciplinary approach not only addresses immediate structural needs but also strengthens local ownership and pride in cultural heritage, transforming monuments from mere historical objects into vibrant community assets.

Balancing immediate crisis intervention with long-term conservation goals, the initiative also serves as a catalyst for social engagement and the revitalization of local identity. By involving communities directly in the preservation process, the project fosters a sense of shared responsibility and custodianship, moving beyond mere technical repairs to cultivate lasting care and appreciation for these sites. The organization actively guides communities post-intervention, helping them secure funding and develop strategies for ongoing maintenance and adaptive reuse. This holistic approach, which includes educational programs like AmbuKids for younger generations, aims to embed heritage stewardship as a continuous local practice, ensuring that these historical treasures endure for centuries to come, thereby connecting past and future through tangible links of collective memory.

Through its impactful work, Ambulance for Monuments demonstrates that architectural preservation is not just about buildings, but about people, community, and the stories they share. By integrating urgent practical interventions with education and local engagement, the project ensures that historical structures are not only physically saved but also spiritually revived, fostering a deeper connection to collective memory and cultural identity. The architect's role evolves from mere designer to advocate and educator, helping communities recognize and cherish the intrinsic value of their heritage, thereby promoting a more responsible and sustainable relationship with our built environment.