Arco Iris en el Desierto
Pachacutec, Callao (2010)
Edible Schoolyard & Kitchen Classroom in Public Elementary School no. 129

We joined the initiative of renowned Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio to build an orchard and a kitchen in the premises of the Early Childhood Education Centre No.129. With support from the Ministry of Social Inclusion and the teachers and parents of the centre, we created an environment where children of 3-5 years old could connect with our biodiversity, learn to grow ingredients and cook local recipes.
By going through this learning process with their teachers, parents and grandparents, the children’s sense of identity is strengthened, whilst equally teaching them to love healthy flavours that can be enjoyed with their peers.
All these activities are contained within the Arco Iris design, even further improved with a view out to the sea from its window.
You might ask, but how do you cultivate in the sand, without water? To overcome this, we devised alternative and resourceful techniques for soil generation and irrigation with the agronomist Luis Camacho, who also chose a variety of crops that require little water. On top of the garden we built a small kitchen/classroom.
Watch a film on Arco Iris en el Desierto here