School as a sustainable place to explore life
On Europe’s largest river island on the outskirts of Hamburg’s city centre, school is not only a place of learning, but also a place to explore life.
The newly built Wilhelmsburg district school at the Perlstieg site includes a seven-year district school, a four-year primary school, a preschool, a games house for full day care and a one-field sports hall in conjunction with a structurally separated two-field sports hall for a total of 650 pupils.
Among other things, the German Society for Sustainable Building (DGNB e.V.) awarded its highest DGNB award (platinum certificate) to the building complex for its economic, ecological and socio-cultural functionality and quality.
The public area with a canteen and auditorium, conceived as a ‘maritime centre’, forms the heart of the school and is designed as a multifunctional, divisible, two-storey hall with a gallery level, flanked by the kitchen in the south and stage areas in the north.
The architects have planned the new building as a learning and research space with laboratories, workshops, exhibition rooms and a library, which will give students better access to mathematical and scientific subjects as well as provide opportunities for an exchange with scientists, artists and representatives from business and industry.
In particular, educationally-deprived children and young people will learn to develop new perspectives on life in the new district school with a focus on maritime life and water, based on independent activities, sustainability and qualified training.
Colourful elements in the long window fronts and facades are reminiscent of the exteriors of shipyard halls or the multi-coloured aspect of a container ship. Likewise, the creatively designed outdoor area with numerous play, sports and retreat options fits perfectly into the attractive and inviting overall concept.
The classrooms are bright and open. Coloured floors and polychromatic furniture elements convey a relaxed feel-good atmosphere. Troldtekt acoustic panels in ceilings and walls also contribute to the pleasant indoor environment and the bright natural tone of the wood wool panels accents the white walls in terms of design.
