Atelier Starzak Strebicki

Ilmenau School

The school is a home, a playground and a small town - all at the same time. These three terms describe the most important aspects of a new school building in a small town Deutsch Evern. This means a school sometimes has to meet exceptionally contradictory demands: on one hand, it should be a shelter, a quiet place where you can feel at home, where one can rest from the intense sensory impulses of the outside world. On the other hand, it should also provide space for a variety of activities: both group and individual, both physical and mental; activities where students can acquire new skills naturally and through play.

In addition to the inspiring role of the teachers and the stimulating contacts with other pupils, the space becomes a third "member" of the school community. Children spend almost as much time at school as they do at home. Therefore, it is important to provide a friendly environment that positively influences their development, encourages them to exercise as well as to rest and concentrate. The aim is for each child to find a space at school where they can learn, live and move in a way that promotes individual development of their skills and personality.

The compact form, moderate proportion of windows and a pitched roof allow a very compact shape and economical management of the building. They also create a structure with a strong identity. The clear and simple form is placed in the southern part of the plot. The rectangular outline of the building allows all functions to be organised along the façade, ensuring good natural lighting. In the core of the building, there is an open auditorium staircase. It is the heart of the common "marketplace" which offers the school community a wide range of uses. On the daily, the staircase provides space for small groups to gather to work, relax or meet with friends. For events and celebrations, the staircase becomes an auditorium, a cinema or a stage, increasing the value of all-day use. This adds meaning to the building's circulation spaces, transforming them into valuable common areas for different activities.

The functional layout of the school has been organised with care to protect neighboring residential buildings and private properties from noise as much as possible: teachers' rooms, nurse office, individual study area and library - functions that generate the least noise - are located on the side where the residential properties are. Auxiliary functions such as the secretary's office, janitor's room and cloakroom are located at the first point of contact near the main entrance. All teaching zones are located along the first floor gallery surrounding the marketplace. Each is a separate unit and consists of six classrooms, two group rooms, a common area, restrooms, and its own collection of learning materials.

The classrooms are seen as a functional, pleasant, helpful and flexible background for daily activities, offering the possibility to spend time in groups or to isolate from others and calm down. Interiors are meant to be equipped only with a small number of elements. We put high value in natural materials and aspects such as user-friendliness, functionality, durability and timelessness.