The primary school located on Friedensstraße in Cologne-Porz is planning a sustainable new building to meet the requirements of a contemporary education. The objective is to provide spaces to facilitate creative and individualised approaches to learning.
The urban design concept pursues the goal of creating a compact structure with open spaces. The new building mass is partitioned into a primary school and a sports area. The central main entrance on Friedensstrasse is highlighted with a recess in the building structure and offers a spacious forecourt.
Besides a running track, there are also areas for exercise, mini-soccer and basketball games as well as a so-called ‘green exercise room’ for climbing and practising balancing. The terrace functions as a dining area and an urban gardening area, while the garden area in front of the library offers seating and sunbathing areas.
The motor vehicle traffic is centred on the eastern side of the site with a drop-off zone in front of the sports section. Car parking spaces are located on the ground floor under the supported sports hall. The projection of the upper floors and the steel structure in front with façade greenery provide a covered outdoor cafeteria space on the ground floor. A terrace with an outdoor staircase establishes a direct connection between the clusters and the school garden.
Sustainable, natural building materials provide a building with a high quality of living. In addition, the extensive green energy roof and the green façade promote a diverse microclimate. In the south of the building, a succession zone supports rainwater infiltration and the natural experience.
In summary, this represents a sustainable educational project that focusses on the well-being of both the interior and exterior environments.