Design concept | PPP - project 2011

Architecture
Our effort was to create a school building with calm atmosphere in a townscape characterized by heterogeneity. This is achieved by a restrained, but skillful accentuated design. The facade is divided into two coatings: A brick facade with partly protruding segments at the wall base and a white-plastered facade in the upper section, which is aligned orthogonally in a stringent way. The combination of both materials creates an exciting mixture.

The building is highlighted by a courtyard in the centre. The annular placement of utilisations around this courtyard follows a clear concept: Whereas classrooms are arranged in the upper floors, habitat with reference to the outdoors is placed on the ground level - e.g. the break hall connected to the auditorium and the full-day schooling zone with its canteen and kitchen. Space for teaching specialist subjects is situated on the ground floor, too. The administration has its own area that is centrally located on the first level, opposing the computer laboratory and music room. 

Landscape design
The ensemble is completed by the 'loop' as well as the easy arrangement and fresh shaping of the lawns breaking up the clear form language of the building. The courtyard invites to stay in a quiet, relaxing environment whereas the northern schoolyard is provided for activity and sports games. On the pitch and in the inner courtyard there are retreat possibilities for the younger pupils, the schoolyard is designed in an all the way open and transparent way. 

Project Team
Client: Stadt Velbert
Implementation/operation: MBN Bau AG
General Planning: Planungsbüro Rohling
Architect: Stefan Scholz Generalplanung
Landscape: Felix Holzapfel-Herziger
Building services: Wolff u. Partner