KAI Casa de Arte y Tecnología
A legacy of learning continues through the revitalization of Escuela Segundo Ruiz Belvis in Santurce, Puerto Rico
Casa Kai de Arte y Tecnología will serve as a post-secondary vocational institution modeled after the Manchester Bidwell Education Model, which seeks to empower adults and high school students to be productive citizens by improving their educational and employment outcomes. The center's programming is based on the NCATs program (National Center for Arts and Technology), an educational organization that seeks to transform lives through visual arts-based youth development and industry-specific adult career training. San Juan residents would benefit from the center's outcomes by reaching career pathways and job opportunities.
Casa KAI revitalizes a National Register of Historic Places structure, creating a dynamic educational campus in the heart of San Juan that connects community and opportunity for future generations.
The building was originally designed by the Puerto Rican architect Carlos del Valle Zeno, who was a well renowned architect during the early years of the 20th Century.
The entry to Casa KAI welcomes students and visitors through restored historic arches at the main entry and facade windows.
The bright, open corridors encourage moments of connection and collaboration within what was conceived as the building's spine, a space where young people can express their art.
During restoration, what first seemed an uncertain interior emerged as one of the project’s most luminous spaces. Exposed concrete walls frame a new circular stained-glass window by artist Edward Ferraioli, his final work and created specifically for Casa KAI, where art and history, and dance and community now converge.
A circular fountain anchors the main entrance and building's central axis, seamlessly blending new landscape elements with the historic character.
To the northwest of the building, the new amphitheater offers an inviting outdoor gathering space that fosters community interaction and informal learning.
The amphitheater is a vibrant, landscaped urban oasis and an outdoor space where students can connect, collaborate and learn in creative expression.
The restored rear loggia reestablishes the building’s north-south axis, with discreet glass railings that preserve its symmetry and simplicity, opening onto a reimagined courtyard for rest and gathering.
Designed to enhance accessibility without compromising integrity, the new elevator embodies Marvel’s approach to adaptive reuse philosophy while giving way to a vibrant and multilevel public space.
Illuminated at night, the center remains open and welcoming emphasizing its purpose: a space for all, rooted in community and poised to spark new possibilities in Santurce.
A legacy of learning continues through the revitalization of Escuela Segundo Ruiz Belvis in Santurce, Puerto Rico
Casa Kai de Arte y Tecnología will serve as a post-secondary vocational institution modeled after the Manchester Bidwell Education Model, which seeks to empower adults and high school students to be productive citizens by improving their educational and employment outcomes. The center's programming is based on the NCATs program (National Center for Arts and Technology), an educational organization that seeks to transform lives through visual arts-based youth development and industry-specific adult career training. San Juan residents would benefit from the center's outcomes by reaching career pathways and job opportunities.
Casa KAI revitalizes a National Register of Historic Places structure, creating a dynamic educational campus in the heart of San Juan that connects community and opportunity for future generations.
The building was originally designed by the Puerto Rican architect Carlos del Valle Zeno, who was a well renowned architect during the early years of the 20th Century.
Existing Conditions following Hurricane Maria and the school's closure, 2020 © Marvel Marchand
During restoration, what first seemed an uncertain interior emerged as one of the project’s most luminous spaces. Exposed concrete walls frame a new circular stained-glass window by artist Edward Ferraioli, his final work and created specifically for Casa KAI, where art and history, and dance and community now converge.
The bright, open corridors encourage moments of connection and collaboration within what was conceived as the building's spine, a space where young people can express their art.
A circular fountain anchors the main entrance and building's central axis, seamlessly blending new landscape elements with the historic character.
To the northwest of the building, the new amphitheater offers an inviting outdoor gathering space that fosters community interaction and informal learning.
Designed to enhance accessibility without compromising integrity, the new elevator embodies Marvel’s approach to adaptive reuse philosophy while giving way to a vibrant and multilevel public space.
The current floor plan remains largely the same as the original. © Marvel Marchand
Illuminated at night, the center remains open and welcoming emphasizing its purpose: a space for all, rooted in community and poised to spark new possibilities in Santurce.
KAI Casa de Arte y Tecnología
A legacy of learning continues through the revitalization of Escuela Segundo Ruiz Belvis in Santurce, Puerto Rico
Casa Kai de Arte y Tecnología will serve as a post-secondary vocational institution modeled after the Manchester Bidwell Education Model, which seeks to empower adults and high school students to be productive citizens by improving their educational and employment outcomes. The center's programming is based on the NCATs program (National Center for Arts and Technology), an educational organization that seeks to transform lives through visual arts-based youth development and industry-specific adult career training. San Juan residents would benefit from the center's outcomes by reaching career pathways and job opportunities.
Casa KAI revitalizes a National Register of Historic Places structure, creating a dynamic educational campus in the heart of San Juan that connects community and opportunity for future generations.
The building was originally designed by the Puerto Rican architect Carlos del Valle Zeno, who was a well renowned architect during the early years of the 20th Century.
The entry to Casa KAI welcomes students and visitors through restored historic arches at the main entry and facade windows.
The bright, open corridors encourage moments of connection and collaboration within what was conceived as the building's spine, a space where young people can express their art.
During restoration, what first seemed an uncertain interior emerged as one of the project’s most luminous spaces. Exposed concrete walls frame a new circular stained-glass window by artist Edward Ferraioli, his final work and created specifically for Casa KAI, where art and history, and dance and community now converge.
A circular fountain anchors the main entrance and building's central axis, seamlessly blending new landscape elements with the historic character.
To the northwest of the building, the new amphitheater offers an inviting outdoor gathering space that fosters community interaction and informal learning.
The amphitheater is a vibrant, landscaped urban oasis and an outdoor space where students can connect, collaborate and learn in creative expression.
The restored rear loggia reestablishes the building’s north-south axis, with discreet glass railings that preserve its symmetry and simplicity, opening onto a reimagined courtyard for rest and gathering.
Designed to enhance accessibility without compromising integrity, the new elevator embodies Marvel’s approach to adaptive reuse philosophy while giving way to a vibrant and multilevel public space.
Illuminated at night, the center remains open and welcoming emphasizing its purpose: a space for all, rooted in community and poised to spark new possibilities in Santurce.
A legacy of learning continues through the revitalization of Escuela Segundo Ruiz Belvis in Santurce, Puerto Rico
Casa Kai de Arte y Tecnología will serve as a post-secondary vocational institution modeled after the Manchester Bidwell Education Model, which seeks to empower adults and high school students to be productive citizens by improving their educational and employment outcomes. The center's programming is based on the NCATs program (National Center for Arts and Technology), an educational organization that seeks to transform lives through visual arts-based youth development and industry-specific adult career training. San Juan residents would benefit from the center's outcomes by reaching career pathways and job opportunities.
Casa KAI revitalizes a National Register of Historic Places structure, creating a dynamic educational campus in the heart of San Juan that connects community and opportunity for future generations.
The building was originally designed by the Puerto Rican architect Carlos del Valle Zeno, who was a well renowned architect during the early years of the 20th Century.
Existing Conditions following Hurricane Maria and the school's closure, 2020 © Marvel Marchand
During restoration, what first seemed an uncertain interior emerged as one of the project’s most luminous spaces. Exposed concrete walls frame a new circular stained-glass window by artist Edward Ferraioli, his final work and created specifically for Casa KAI, where art and history, and dance and community now converge.
The bright, open corridors encourage moments of connection and collaboration within what was conceived as the building's spine, a space where young people can express their art.
A circular fountain anchors the main entrance and building's central axis, seamlessly blending new landscape elements with the historic character.
To the northwest of the building, the new amphitheater offers an inviting outdoor gathering space that fosters community interaction and informal learning.
Designed to enhance accessibility without compromising integrity, the new elevator embodies Marvel’s approach to adaptive reuse philosophy while giving way to a vibrant and multilevel public space.
The current floor plan remains largely the same as the original. © Marvel Marchand
Illuminated at night, the center remains open and welcoming emphasizing its purpose: a space for all, rooted in community and poised to spark new possibilities in Santurce.
KAI Casa de Arte y Tecnología
A legacy of learning continues through the revitalization of Escuela Segundo Ruiz Belvis in Santurce, Puerto Rico
Casa Kai de Arte y Tecnología will serve as a post-secondary vocational institution modeled after the Manchester Bidwell Education Model, which seeks to empower adults and high school students to be productive citizens by improving their educational and employment outcomes. The center's programming is based on the NCATs program (National Center for Arts and Technology), an educational organization that seeks to transform lives through visual arts-based youth development and industry-specific adult career training. San Juan residents would benefit from the center's outcomes by reaching career pathways and job opportunities.
Casa KAI revitalizes a National Register of Historic Places structure, creating a dynamic educational campus in the heart of San Juan that connects community and opportunity for future generations.
The building was originally designed by the Puerto Rican architect Carlos del Valle Zeno, who was a well renowned architect during the early years of the 20th Century.
The entry to Casa KAI welcomes students and visitors through restored historic arches at the main entry and facade windows.
The bright, open corridors encourage moments of connection and collaboration within what was conceived as the building's spine, a space where young people can express their art.
During restoration, what first seemed an uncertain interior emerged as one of the project’s most luminous spaces. Exposed concrete walls frame a new circular stained-glass window by artist Edward Ferraioli, his final work and created specifically for Casa KAI, where art and history, and dance and community now converge.
A circular fountain anchors the main entrance and building's central axis, seamlessly blending new landscape elements with the historic character.
To the northwest of the building, the new amphitheater offers an inviting outdoor gathering space that fosters community interaction and informal learning.
The amphitheater is a vibrant, landscaped urban oasis and an outdoor space where students can connect, collaborate and learn in creative expression.
The restored rear loggia reestablishes the building’s north-south axis, with discreet glass railings that preserve its symmetry and simplicity, opening onto a reimagined courtyard for rest and gathering.
Designed to enhance accessibility without compromising integrity, the new elevator embodies Marvel’s approach to adaptive reuse philosophy while giving way to a vibrant and multilevel public space.
Illuminated at night, the center remains open and welcoming emphasizing its purpose: a space for all, rooted in community and poised to spark new possibilities in Santurce.
A legacy of learning continues through the revitalization of Escuela Segundo Ruiz Belvis in Santurce, Puerto Rico
Casa Kai de Arte y Tecnología will serve as a post-secondary vocational institution modeled after the Manchester Bidwell Education Model, which seeks to empower adults and high school students to be productive citizens by improving their educational and employment outcomes. The center's programming is based on the NCATs program (National Center for Arts and Technology), an educational organization that seeks to transform lives through visual arts-based youth development and industry-specific adult career training. San Juan residents would benefit from the center's outcomes by reaching career pathways and job opportunities.
Casa KAI revitalizes a National Register of Historic Places structure, creating a dynamic educational campus in the heart of San Juan that connects community and opportunity for future generations.
The building was originally designed by the Puerto Rican architect Carlos del Valle Zeno, who was a well renowned architect during the early years of the 20th Century.
Existing Conditions following Hurricane Maria and the school's closure, 2020 © Marvel Marchand
During restoration, what first seemed an uncertain interior emerged as one of the project’s most luminous spaces. Exposed concrete walls frame a new circular stained-glass window by artist Edward Ferraioli, his final work and created specifically for Casa KAI, where art and history, and dance and community now converge.
The bright, open corridors encourage moments of connection and collaboration within what was conceived as the building's spine, a space where young people can express their art.
A circular fountain anchors the main entrance and building's central axis, seamlessly blending new landscape elements with the historic character.
To the northwest of the building, the new amphitheater offers an inviting outdoor gathering space that fosters community interaction and informal learning.
Designed to enhance accessibility without compromising integrity, the new elevator embodies Marvel’s approach to adaptive reuse philosophy while giving way to a vibrant and multilevel public space.
The current floor plan remains largely the same as the original. © Marvel Marchand