Design for a public school in The Hague. The volumetric concept is based on the scale of the neighborhood and the program of the school. The neighborhood of Mariahoeve is based on the modernistic priciple of freestanding volumes on green grassy fields. Light, air and space is what defines the surroundigs, quite out of touch with the human scale. The design is a counter-reaction to this modernistic principle and creates more small intimate spaces, on a scale that is new to the neighborhood and designed the the human scale.
1. Generic classroom
2. Specific classroom
3. Classroom entrance
4. Wardrobe
5. School entrance and collective space
6. Kitchen
7. Playroom
8. Reception area for daycare and kindergarten
9. Daycare
10. Kindergarten
11. Gym
12. Gym storage
13. Changing rooms
14. Community center
15. Toddler play area
16. Patio
17. Entrance to tribune
18. Stair to playroof
19. Public street
20. Bikeparking
Left to right, top to bottom:
public program – outward oriented classrooms – courtyards – courtyard oriented focus rooms
kindergarten – primary school play area – play area kindergarten – final volume
The design of this public school is based around a couple of key elements:
- the introduction of a small public street as an intimate space within the after-war suburban fabric of the neighborhood
- the street separates the program – kids are in the courtyard building, the slab houses the adult-world (social program, offices, sports hall, community spaces)
- all of the built program has their front door towards the inner street, creating a vibrant intimate public space
- the courtyard organizes the school program – classrooms are accessible through the main entrance that is connected to the new street
- the rooftop is used as a playground, whereas the courtyard is a more calm and intimate space.
