Leoben Learning Landscape

The historically listed primary school in the Leitendorf district of Leoben is a particularly authentic example of 1950s functionalism. For the renovation and expansion of the school, we draw from the qualities of the existing building and turn it into a modern education centre.

Leoben, the third

Franz&Sue and Leoben: That sounds like a perfect match. Styria’s second largest city has championed the construction of education facilities for years. With the Study Centre of the University of Leoben and the conversion of the Primary School and the New Secondary School, we have already contributed twice to this endeavour. Now it’s time to realise our third educational building in Leoben: In the district of Leitendorf, we are renovating the historically listed Fröbelgasse primary school and expanding it into a modern education centre. In the future, two existing schools will be consolidated at one location. After the expansion, the new all-day primary schools will offer space for 400 pupils in 16 classes.

50s Original

Die Besonderheit des vom Leobener Architekten Emmerich Donau geplanten, 1953/54 errichteten Bestandsgebäudes: Es gilt als gelungenes und besonders authentisch erhaltenes Beispiel für die funktionalistische Formensprache der Fünfzigerjahre. Außen zeigt sich dies etwa durch die regelmäßig angeordneten Fenster. Im Inneren sind beinahe sämtliche Ausstattungselemente wie die originalen Terrazzoböden, Mosaike, Holzportale, die Türen zu den Klassenzimmern und die Holzfenster inklusive der Beschläge originalgetreu erhalten. Auch die Böden und die Umkleideschränke im Gangbereich stammen noch aus der damaligen Zeit. 

»Last but not least, the project stands out from the perspective of heritage preservation.«

Excerpt from the jury protocol

Wide Hallways, Open Classrooms

In our design, we not only preserve the existing corridor structure but also employ these generous access areas to expand the available teaching space. Every second locker unit is replaced with a glazed surface, creating a visual connection to the classrooms and merging the hallway areas with those for lessons.

»We integrate the spacious circulation areas to expand the space devoted to pedagogy.«

Central Square for Breaks

We transform the ground floor into a versatile learning landscape and rearrange some of the functions: The former assembly hall now serves as the new central locker room, and the former gymnasium as a multifunctional room, which can also be used for external events. A new changing room wing forms the connection to the timber construction gymnasium in the north-eastern part of the site. An inner perimeter arcade with its open-air classroom links the old and new parts of the building. In this way, the buildings form a courtyard structure while articulating a new, clear division of the inviting open areas: a forecourt at the main entrance, the park to the south, the sports field behind the changing rooms, and at the heart of the school the new, leafy playground with plenty of space to relax and let off steam.

»All in all, a compelling project on so many levels, which is also economically feasible given the simplicity of the smart interventions.«

Excerpt from the jury protocol