The “Construir Escuelas___Espacios Públicos” competition was initiated to address the urgent need for innovative educational spaces that enhance community engagement throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Rapid urbanization and environmental degradation challenge traditional schooling, often failing to meet diverse local needs. This initiative builds on a rich history of Latin American artists and educators who strive to connect education with real-world contexts, fostering learning and action.

By inviting interdisciplinary teams of architects, artists, and community members, the competition encourages a reimagining of schools as vibrant public spaces. The aim is to create permanent, site-specific interventions that promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This aligns with La Escuela___’s mission to approach art as knowledge production and collective learning.

Engaging local entities and stakeholders, the competition seeks to develop inclusive educational environments that address specific community needs while facilitating ecological stewardship and cultural expression. This initiative represents a timely response to contemporary urban challenges, inspiring innovative solutions that promote sustainable growth and social cohesion in neighborhoods across the region.

LA ESCUELA___ is a project developed by Miguel Braceli together Siemens Stiftung International, growing with the collaboration of artists, architects, and institutiosn.

 The “Construir Escuelas___Espacios Públicos” competition fosters long-term community development by creating educational spaces integrated with local contexts. By involving community members, artists, and architects in the design process, the initiative cultivates ownership and pride, promoting ongoing engagement and collaboration. This participatory approach strengthens social ties and empowers residents to take active roles in their education and environment.

The success of the CUNA project, the inaugural competition's winner, exemplifies this impact. Located in Barranquilla, Colombia, CUNA merges environmental stewardship with education, demonstrating how a well-designed educational space can empower residents and promote sustainable practices. Its focus on mangrove cultivation enhances ecological knowledge while strengthening community bonds through hands-on learning.

CUNA motivates us to seek support for a second competition, showcasing the potential benefits of collaborative design. By building on its model, we aim to inspire more communities to create educational environments tailored to their unique needs.

Through the second edition of this competition, we expect to foster a culture of learning and sustainability, leading to improved educational outcomes and increased community resilience. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to empower communities and contribute to their long-term development through innovative, locally-driven solutions.

Miguel Braceli
LA ESCUELA___ Artistic Director, artist, architect and educator. 

Manuel Vasquez-Ortega
LA ESCUELA___ Educational programs and community liasson coordinator. Architect and curator.

Marianela Diaz-Cardoso
LA ESCUELA___  Editorial contents and communication coordinator. Editor and publicist. 

Joachim Gerstemeir
LA ESCUELA___ coordination for Siemens Stiftung 

CUNA members:
La Orilla – Art & Architecture Space, OAU - Oficina de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Asoplaya – Fisherfolk Association of La Playa township, and Cayena - Directorate of Art and Culture of the Universidad del Norte.