School Complex Extension Riedmatt
The existing Riedmatt School Complex was conceived as an autonomous urban composition with its independent orientation towards the neighboring residential buildings. The building extension takes up the urban planning considerations of the existing complex analogously. Like the existing School building, the new extension consists of two interpenetrating cubes of different heights slightly offset from each other. The two School buildings develop a central rectangular square in their middle, which, in addition to the existing break areas, creates a new quality within the school complex as an inwardly oriented schoolyard.
The courtyard-side entrance to the extension is directly opposite to the entrance of the existing Elementary School building. A roof perforated by skylight openings spans between the two main entrances and creates the architectural, spatial and functional connection of the extension to the existing building.
The new school building is organized in two respectively three main levels. In the Ground Floor all rooms for the four Kindergarten units can be found. Each two units share a common vestibule with the Break Halls, which are to be accessed by children through a conceived Lobby area, generously recessed into the built volume. The kindergarten units can thus be organized for the youngest children spatially independent of the elementary school.
The basic structure of the upper floors remains close to the layout of the Kindergarten floor. The two generously dimensioned foyers to the Classrooms are reached from the central stairwell. Visual connections to the schoolyard ensure a clear orientation from these lobby areas. The Extension Building orients its volume and floor plan strongly towards the existing Building for a better urban placing and clear connection to the existing School complex.
Through the adoption of lines and heights as well as proportions and divisions in the development of the façade, a relationship is created with the existing building.
The two buildings are thus intended to form an urban and architectural unit while simultaneously developing its own identity and leaving the different construction periods recognizable.
