vocational school embelgasse

urban development concept
the site for the future vocational school for administrative professions on Embelgasse is defined by a gap in the building block, with a generous green space behind it within the enclosed block development. Embelgasse is already a residential street with a traffic-calmed zone directly in front of the school. the concept for the new school proposes a transparent ground floor zone that visually connects the newly designed forecourt on Embelgasse with the green space, thus opening up the previously enclosed block structure.

structure
vertically, the school building is clearly organized:

level -1: sports and movement areas, technical and storage rooms
level 0: general area, front office
level 1: administration, library
levels 2–5: theoretical and practical classrooms
the horizontal structure of the building is simple and clear. at both party walls of the gap, there is a fire escape stairwell with WC facilities, storage rooms, vertical shafts, a fire service elevator, and disabled WC. these areas also provide horizontal structural bracing, allowing the rest of the building to have a simple load-bearing structure of columns and flat slabs, guaranteeing maximum flexibility for future changes. the main access is located in the center of the building and is designed as an open, representative staircase leading to levels -1 and 1, from which the remaining floors are accessed via a transparent staircase in the green courtyard.

organization
the entrance opens into a spacious foyer composed of a multipurpose room that can be separated with sliding walls and the volume of the gymnasium with spectator gallery and the sports and movement area one level below. the entrance, multipurpose room, gallery, and gym form a large spatial volume, providing multiple sightlines, clear orientation, and a generous ambiance for school events and celebrations. the front office is directly adjacent to the entrance hall, enabling students to practice communication skills such as reception and information provision to external visitors. an info point and buffet complete the offerings in the entrance area. for external use of the gym, a separate entrance independent of school operations is provided. the entire administration unit is located on level 1. the staff room, centrally located above the entrance, can be divided into two units via a movable partition. two terraces are reserved exclusively for staff. the library, as an independent area, is situated on this level in the green courtyard with a covered balcony reading area.

levels 2–5 are dedicated to theory and practical lessons. all 18 classrooms are equally oriented toward Embelgasse and the green courtyard. large classrooms can be divided into two areas with sliding panels to accommodate different teaching needs. learning and work areas along the circulation side can be combined into larger contiguous spaces using sliding elements. continuous benches with lounging areas along the green courtyard façade provide relaxation opportunities during breaks. necessary wardrobe space is minimized (30 cm lockers per student), with additional small lockable compartments provided in each classroom.

daylight design
special attention is given to optimal daylight conditions for the building and its rooms. the entrance hall and gym receive daylight from two sides. walkable glazing allows daylight to penetrate to level -1, e.g., the locker corridors and gym approach areas. all classrooms receive daylight from two sides, allowing one side to be shaded if sunlight is too strong. daylight from the green courtyard side is provided by generous glazing and internal light courts. all rooms are protected from excessive sunlight by external shading. suspended heating and cooling ceilings made of concrete, which also provide acoustic benefits, maximize thermal mass and, combined with shading and night ventilation, prevent summer overheating.

outdoor space
the entrance plaza on Embelgasse is generously redesigned with uniform paving and seating, separating the main entrance from vehicular traffic. bicycle parking highlights the importance of this mode of transport. the two green courtyards provide equivalent quality spaces for retreat and social interaction, such as the large seating arena for events, seating and lying hills, and secluded areas. generous partially covered areas with wooden decking allow students to use them barefoot during favorable weather, including the large sun-protected terrace on level 5, terraces in front of the multipurpose room and spectator gallery in the green courtyard, the library balcony, and the seating arena in the courtyard.

structural concept
typical floor plan – load-bearing structure
the load-bearing structure, except for the top floor, is constructed in a highly economical solid construction method. 26 cm flat slabs span over point supports or laterally arranged cores. in the ceiling above the ground floor, some point supports are replaced by beams arranged along construction axes. the cores carry vertical loads and provide lateral bracing. the foundation is executed as a “white tank” in the basement.

fire protection and escape route concept
the fire safety objectives outlined in the Vienna Building Code are met by complying with the measures in OIB Guideline 2 and TRVB 130, except for the partially multi-story fire compartmentation. separating areas with fire loads into their own smoke or fire compartments prevents rapid smoke spread, and in combination with early alarm via the automatic fire detection system, ensures an equivalent level of safety according to §2 Wbtv.