Clean Cut

A large school complex on the outskirts of Baden will be expanded substantially in the coming years. The south of the site is dominated by the campus of the University College of Teacher Education and the neighbouring HAK vocational school, which is also due to be extended in the near future. Other school buildings are being constructed to the north. For the new secondary school, we have designed a connecting forecourt at the heart of the site as an arrival area and anchor point. The three-storey building presents its clean-cut front to the street; upon entering, open spaces unfold on different levels, creating bridges to existing green zones. The new school adds identity and makes a coherent gesture in this heterogeneous area.

Central Break Area

The main building takes the form of a large bracket, which affords ideal conditions for a break area in the middle of the school. On the ground floor, the event hall and the afternoon classrooms are oriented towards this central green courtyard. The roof of the adjacent gymnasium provides a welcoming terrace on the first floor. The courtyard opens up to the neighbouring sports field and is partially covered by the gymnasium terrace. This creates an outdoor area that is both sheltered and open.

»The remarkable thing about this project is how effectively the urban planning scheme responds to its surroundings. The terrace represents a generous leisure and green space, which fluidly opens to and incorporates the existing green area. The open spaces on different levels also create thresholds and various zones without divisions.«

Excerpt from the jury protocol