AFRY bridges the educational infrastructure gap in Peru
Strengthening school infrastructure and facilitating access to education
The Bicentennial schools programme: AFRY is contributing to sustainable education for Peru’s generations to come, by providing technical expertise to Koulu consortium.
In an effort to strengthen school infrastructure and facilitate access to education, the Government of Peru has initiated a strategic and innovative project to build 75 schools across the country.
The Bicentennial Schools Programme is the result of a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education in Peru and the UK Government, in cooperation with Finland. Technical guidance is provided by the Koulu consortium, which AFRY is a proud part of. AFRY is committed to leveraging its expertise in interdisciplinary consultancy services, bringing technical advice, global knowledge and international best practices to the project.
Addressing educational gaps through collaboration
On the occasion of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Peru's independence, the Bicentennial Schools Programme was established with the objective of encouraging comprehensive learning and building 75 new schools spanning 21 districts within the capital city of Lima and 9 additional regions across the country, facilitating access to schools for 118,000 students.
AFRY and the Koulu consortium
A pillar of support
Koulu is a joint venture spearheaded by UK-based companies Mace and Gleeds, featuring interdisciplinary support and advice from AFRY and other international consultancies from the UK and Finland.
The vital role of Koulu stretches beyond being mere technical support. The consortium has, in fact set up a Programme Management Office (PMO), responsible for supervising quality and assurance for effective project delivery while following international best practices.
The PMO's primary function has been to introduce effective project controls and governance processes that will support decision-making and change control. Transparency and stakeholder engagement are at the core of Koulu’s management approach.
AFRY has played a key role in providing technical assurance for the programme
To achieve this, a multidisciplinary team of engineers, architects and archaeologists collaborated seamlessly on the project. This team comprises specialists in structural, geotechnical, hydrology, fire, environmental, mechanical, electrical, and sanitary engineering. AFRY has ensured the implementation of design innovations including solar panels, resilience features, high concrete durability, fire safety measures, flexible learning rooms, acoustic design and thermal comfort solutions. Additionally, the team developed and supervised an efficient design review process and found technical solutions for challenging site conditions encountered in specific schools’ locations. These challenges include high seismicity, flooding risks, landslides, steep slopes, extreme climate temperatures, and interferences with adjacent old buildings.
An exemplary approach
To ensure a fair, transparent and open procurement process, Koulu served as the procurement agent for the Bicentennial programme. A meticulously planned phased procurement strategy has been implemented, facilitating effective progress through the design and construction phases. This process encompasses Roadshows, Mandatory Undertaking (MU), Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), Invitation to Tender (ITT) and Contractor selection.
Prioritising sustainability and knowledge transfer
The final objective of the Bicentennial Schools Programme encapsulates more than just bridging the educational infrastructure gap. A critical focus is also placed on sustainability and resilience, and this is where AFRY comes most into its own.
The design principles incorporate environmental sustainability, climate change resilience, inclusivity, and the improvement of the educational environment. The programme integrates a multi-hazard risk assessment and employs the Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology for effective visualisation and coordination of data throughout the project's lifecycle. BIM management stands as one of the primary areas where AFRY lends support to the Bicentennial Schools Programme.
Design innovations
- Concrete durability
- Solar panels
- Flooding
- Fire safety
- Aulas Flex
- Earthquake engineering
- Detailed engineering assessment
- Landscape
- Acoustic
AFRY's mission of sustainability
Within the context of the Bicentennial Schools Programme, AFRY views its mission of supporting Peru's sustainability transition as a golden opportunity to contribute to the construction of sustainable and socially beneficial infrastructure.
We are proud to be part of the Bicentennial Schools Programme and the Koulu joint venture. Through our involvement, we are making a significant impact on the sustainable development of Peru and future generations. It is a testament to our commitment to supporting the sustainability transition and delivering infrastructure projects that meet the highest standards of quality and resilience.
– Roland Schmidt, Regional Director, Hydropower Latin America
