An academic social-impact proposal designed to help bridge the “opportunity gap” faced by individuals from lower strata backgrounds in Suba, Bogotá, Colombia. Primarily targeting those within the “drop-out age” group - at risk of leaving education early to enter work to support their families - the scheme offers an active learning environment where participants can simultaneously gain high-quality education and earn an income, an opportunity often out of reach for low-income households.

The programme combines lessons in cultivation and entrepreneurship with dedicated workspaces, enabling students to apply newly acquired skills in a practical, income-generating context. This approach fosters both personal and economic growth, preparing participants for more sustainable futures.

Architecturally, the project challenges preconceptions around stigmatised building materials by showcasing bamboo - often associated with lower social strata - as a symbol of resilience and potential. When treated and crafted with care, bamboo’s structural and aesthetic qualities are celebrated, reframing its cultural perception.

The scheme also reinterprets the role of the plaza as a community anchor. External staircases wind around the building, linking interior programmes with public outdoor spaces and encouraging interaction between visitors and activities within. This spatial connectivity stimulates curiosity, strengthens community engagement, and reinforces the project’s role as both an educational facility and a civic landmark.