haselstauden elementary school

jury statement

a new building volume attaches almost fleetingly to the existing canopy of the sports hall and takes on the height of the gymnasium structure. this creates a calm, elongated open space stretching from the existing group of trees in front of the vocational school to a new group of trees in front of the new primary school. the differentiation of this longitudinal space allows distinct areas to emerge. a pronounced lowering of the terrain in front of the new school generates a focal point that defines the entrance at the edge of the depression and organically connects the multi-storey central interior space of the school with the exterior.

this intensively activated “mouth” opening to the outside branches into double-height spaces that extend into the upper floors and are generously lit from above by shed rooflights, allowing the school to be experienced as a whole. the relationships to the outdoor spaces are optimally resolved, enabling clear and informal movement between them, thus ensuring functional flexibility of uses that may evolve over time. the moderate height development, together with the resulting formulation of the exterior space, the organic interconnection of interior and exterior, and the excellent daylighting throughout the building structure form a coherent and convincing overall concept.