District School in Bergedorf / blrm Architekt*innen

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Text description provided by the architects. The classroom building H1 has just been completed within the complex of the Ganztagsschule (day school) in the Hamburg district of Bergedorf. It serves as a “Haus der Kultur” (building of culture) which complements the existing buildings in the campus with additional units. Blauraum has developed a comprehensive brief based on the results of the public participation process and standard requirements and guidelines posed by the local authorities.

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The building is designed as a solid structure with load bearing walls and two central circulation cores constructed in reinforced concrete. A shift of the overground floors towards the school yard lends this atrium building its unique form. This shift allows to accommodate the pet zoo, which is minded by the pupils, along the west side of the school yard.

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Furthermore, the ground floor is extended by a generous covered outdoor area within the entrance zone which can function as a unique space for various cultural activities. Here, music and the performing arts are at home: all music rooms are linked through a central foyer while a top floor patio serves as an open air class room.

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The regular floors are shaped by the abovementioned shift and function as so called Jahrgangsetagen (grade floors). Their layout is structured into class rooms and zones for specific training needs. The class rooms are designed to the latest educational requirements and are differentiated according to age. The multifunctional training zones are located towards the school yard and are therefore ideal creative areas to mingle between the various ages and to perform and experience art. A specific type of hung window systems which can be operated like large wings allows for ideal communication with the campus area. The circulation of the grade floors is organised through stair cores along the west section of the building.

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The façade is characterised by two dominant features: firstly, a hand crafted render surface which creates vibrant reflections according to changing sun light; secondly, ceramic tiles for the entrance area that correlate to similar material used in the existing buildings. Prevailing colour patterns in the vicinity are setting the tone for the new tiles and let the colours adapt from a light sky blue into a pattern of green like a pixilation. The glazed tile surface performs as a reflection screen for varying light immissions and contrasts the coarse render surfaces. A detailed and corresponding colour scheme is applied to all interior surfaces and functions as part of the schools educational concept for grade and age identification.

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