Urban design

The extension is intended to complement the existing U-shaped ensemble of the existing school in such a way that the inviting and diverse outdoor area is preserved, thus emphasising the public character of the complex. The gymnasium extension from 1979 is cleverly positioned in terms of urban planning and is able to close off the schoolyard on the north side thanks to its lateral positioning. The idea of the two overlapping gymnasiums makes it possible to integrate these large-scale uses in a compact building and at the same time create additional space for other school uses on the mezzanine floors.

Architecture

In order to fulfil the new needs of the school, our project proposal consists of extending this wing with a head-building that naturally extends the existing volume and elegantly finishes it off with an additional storey. The concentration of all the needs of the programme in a single building makes it possible to meet the requirements of the ‘Patschenschule’ by placing all the uses closer together, each connected by covered walkways. The new building has a shared, barrier-free entrance to the main building, eliminating the spatial separation between the two buildings. In addition to the existing gymnasium, the 8 upper school classes, music, drawing and IT classes are concentrated in the new building. This division allows all pupils to use the new facilities and make them their own. With the new extension, the entire room programme can be accommodated. The “unloved” Building C can therefore be demolished (as proposed). The pupils housed there felt disadvantaged – which was detrimental to the basic pedagogical principle. Building C can no longer fulfil the needs of a modern school. Nevertheless, it is not an easy decision to demolish the building. There is the possibility of making it available for extracurricular use. This would save the demolition costs, and the building could continue to be used after an energetic refurbishment.