Learning House

Project idea

Learning House - Construction of a new school built in Parkstadt Süd, Cologne.
The task underlying the design was to design a high school for grades five-13, in Parkstadt Süd in Cologne. Parkstadt Süd is Cologne's largest urban development project in the coming years.
In this school, students should be challenged and encouraged. Outside the classrooms, different learning spaces are to be created in which different forms of collaboration are possible. The aim is to create a school culture that promotes communication, enables exchange and cooperation with one another and forms a community.

Project description

The learning house consists of a basement in which all general classrooms, the all-day, administration and teachers, cafeteria, auditorium and foyer are housed. The double gym is connected to the school in the entrance area via a large canopy. The clusters for sec. 1 (grades five-ten)and sec. 2 (grades ten-13) are located on the upper floors. Sec. 1 is divided into three two-storey structures. These are located in the north with a view of the park. The three- storey sec. 2 is located in the south.
In each cluster there is an inner courtyard, which enables natural lighting within the building. The school yard is on two levels. The roof of the basement serves as a space for movement with green areas and seating. These serve as green classrooms, special zones for working groups and study groups. There the pupils of the different years can meet and spend their breaks. In the school yard, the children can play and get active together. This is directly related to the cafeteria, the daytime and the gymhalls.

Technical information

The structure of the building is made of concrete and supports in the inside. The concrete can also be recognized as exposed concrete in the facade in the cantilevered arcade and on the ground floor. Furthermore, the facade consists of rear-ventilated, vertical wooden slats and large wooden windows. The roofs of the clusters are designed as extensive green roofs to save CO2.