Surrounding new elementary school De Ster and secondary Freinet department Poperinge

GO Education’s request for this new school building in a green lung in the center of Poperinge was well thought out: design a school in the green where preschool, primary and secondary Freinet education are separated as much as possible, but which still functions as a single entity. A thorough examination of the program of requirements, led to not one, but two school buildings. Two compact detached volumes linked by a covered outdoor circulation.

The simplicity of the construction allows it to be built in a very quick and economical way. The ochre-colored brick refers to the typical architecture of the Westhoek and thus fits into the urban fabric of the city.

The specific implantation of these two buildings on the site creates four distinct play areas. The covered canopy connects the main entrance, the various outdoor areas and the two school buildings and rationalizes the program. The green zone located at the back of the site, thanks to this succession of green outdoor spaces, is brought to the street side.

Implementing a new car-free school street on the site, parallel to the buildings, will take the school away from heavy street traffic. The central canopy guides students to their playground.

Context and implantation are the keywords that defined this design. An easily accessible school both during and after school hours. A site that fits into the broader context of the city on the one hand. A school and outdoor spaces tailored to the students on the other hand.

Text AVDK architects

Implementation

Design