San Isidoro Schools in Padul, Granada, Spain

Abstract

The small and unique building of “Las Escuelas de San Isidoro”, erected in Padul at the beginning of the 20th century, is a clear example of the new architectural type of the innovative educational model created in Granada by Father Manjón. That model supposed a radical change for the methods of the Spanish teaching and it was the origin of the current educational system. Andrés Manjón y Manjón (1846-1923), priest, jurist and pedagogue, broke with traditional pedagogy and revolutionized the old-fashion model of education that was in vogue until that moment and universalized and socialized education. That pioneer model promoted an education based on aptitudes and faculties, using games and practice, addressed to all ages and social classes, in conjunction with nature. Outdoor education should be used wherever possible. In a historical context of profound social changes, this typology was the answer to the new educational needs using a “spearing” architectural language based on a constructive system that was both efficient and economic: Spanish Regionalism. It was a new style from the first third of the 20th century that recreated historical forms. It was far from the breakthrough modern movement that, at that time, it took place in central Europe. However, the model of the Manjonian School runs away from historicist models and remains in the simplicity of brick-faced walls or brick-wrapping walls and masonry drawers, with no more decorative concession that window lintels, jambs and sill jut out. The façades highlight made with simple semicircular arches and some glazed ceramics. Wooden rounded slabs supported on walls and simple wooden cover structures. The steel was barely used in metal structural slabs and brick, and even less on the roof. Architects like Francisco Jiménez Arévalo, Juan Montserrat Pons or Fernando Wilhelmi Manzano will be the architects of this type of architecture that has as a mark of identity the massive use of brick in load walls; and as a way to show the facade creating a modest appearance image but of a certain nobility. Wilhelmi projected the Schools of Padul not belonging to the Manjonian type but following a similar way. Conclusion: The knowledge of this architectural typology is basic to protect these simple buildings for educational use, reinforcing the attachment and identity of the citizens of Padul. For them it symbolizes a time and its economic and social context. Through the dissemination in this municipality of the Endof- Grade Projects of the students of the School of Building of the University of Granada related to this building, the following objectives were achieved: revaluing, strengthening and fostering the sense of identity of a village towards one of its most peculiar buildings, The Schools where many of them began their education. Through its study, the process of preserving its values has begun, and with knowledge, are fully assumed contributing to the respect and conservation of this inherited heritage.