Sports hall Hermesbühl
Reinterpretation of the former gymnasium
The new gymnasium tract further expands the existing school complex and formulates an ending within the land- marked block edge. The calm structure leaves the existing outside space for the playground and the sports fields as separate areas. As before, the sports area is oriented away from the classrooms so that there is no distur- bance. The playground retains its center with the existing sycamore roof. The orientation of the hall refers to this and charges up the yard additionally.
The original route from the main entrance Bielstrasse over the courtyard to the outside staircase is strengthened spa- tially and finds a generous counterpart in the extended arc including the outside stairs. The covered pause hall and the new foyer form a coherent side-by-side and formulate their own clear address on Schulhausstrasse. The two halls are stacked on top of each other and with their mode- rate height react to the rear road space, which is brighter and more open compared to the old situation. The continued construction is also reflected in the choice of materials and the organization of the interiors.
Architectural implementation
The grammar of the existing schoolhouse offers a rich repertoire of points of reference. The new hall behaves as a new and last element of this installation.
Ambivalent: facade plaster, cornices and window frames are picked as subjects and reinterpreted as "sampling". The connection point at the existing building is marked with a simple continuation of the round arch between break room and foyer. A modification of this arc theme can be found in the expression of the U-shaped concrete structure, which is reflected on the main facade of the gymnasium to the outside. The cornices, which give the building a fine upper finish, serve as connecting elements. The ground floor hall can be opened to the foyer and, together with the existing break room, forms a well usable space. It acts as the public of the two halls and expresses this architecturally through the generous glazing. Tripiti: Each of the two halls receives a compact three- storey back with serving rooms.
