4th Comprehensive School Aachen

Aachen, Germany

Der grüne Campus gibt Raum für aktive Auszeiten

Photo © Roman Mensing

Due to the redesign of the entrance area on the Sandkaulstraße, the school grounds are given a new look.

Photo © Roman Mensing

The cross-building use of clinker unites the gym and the school building.

Photo © Roman Mensing

The gym (l.) consciously follows the construction sequence of the school complex and thus supports the access to the school building.

Photo © Roman Mensing

The school grounds will become a green oasis in the city block interior, a small world in a child-friendly scale.

Photo © Roman Mensing

The forum will be the central meeting point - not only for the school but also for extracurricular events.

Photo © Roman Mensing

The corridors are no longer just development areas, they are learning areas and seating niches.

Photo © Roman Mensing

The corridors are no longer just development areas, they are learning areas and seating niches.

Photo © Roman Mensing

The team cuboid is the center of each team and offers students maximum transparency through its glazing.

Photo © Roman Mensing

The color differentiation of the teams is also reflected in the specialist rooms.

Photo © Roman Mensing

Flexibly designed inclusion and differentiation rooms are an integral part of the room program.

Photo © Roman Mensing

With its red hall floor, the gym sets an accent that harmonises with wood and exposed concrete on the walls.

Photo © Roman Mensing

With its red hall floor, the gym sets an accent that harmonises with wood and exposed concrete on the walls.

Photo © Roman Mensing

Staircase

Photo © Roman Mensing

Canteen

Photo © Roman Mensing

Section

Drawing © KRESINGS

Ground floor

Drawing © KRESINGS

Groundfloor of the gym

Drawing © KRESINGS

Elevation north

City map

Architects: KRESINGS

Location: Sandkaulstraße 75, 52062 Aachen, Germany
Year: 2016
Client: Stadt Aachen
Structural Engineering: gantert + wiemeler ingenieurplanung, Münster
Building Appraisals: H. Dieler & Partner GmbH, Aachen
Structural Engineers: Thomas & Bökamp Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH, Münster
Technical Building Equipment: DS-Plan Ingenieurgesellschaft für ganzheitliche Bauberatung und Generalfachplanung mbH, Köln
Technical Building Equipment: E-C-K Ingenieure GmbH, Brühl
Fire Protection: BFT Cognos GmbH, Aachen
Building Physics: GRANER + PARTNER Ingenieure, Bergisch Gladbach
Open Space Design: RMP Stephan Lenzen Landschaftsarchitekten, Bonn
Give Planning: UPDOWN Ingenieurteam für Fördertechnik GmbH, Hürth
Kitchens Planning: HÖRSTKE Großküchen/Einrichtungen GmbH
Küchenplaner: HÖRSTKE Großküchen/Einrichtungen GmbH

The 4th comprehensive school is located in the middle of a residential development, which is to be understood and considered as a block development.

The two existing buildings - the "tower houses" - remain on the site. The new building, which is placed between them, not only completes the overall urban concept, but also represents the functional link. The new construction of the sports hall also deliberately fits into the building sequence and supports access to the school complex.
The functional order of the school is based on the special educational concept of the 4th comprehensive school. Each of the two tower houses houses rooms for teachers and classes in each of its two floors, which form so-called "teams". The teams are differentiated by rooms in different color. At the heart of the teams are the team squares - large glazed rooms where the teachers work and where they are available for the students at all time, which offers the greatest possible transparency. Sitting as well as learning islands in the hallways support this common learning atmosphere and create a high quality of stay.

The spacious foyer is the central meeting place - not just for the school business.
The jointly used areas in the new building of the foyer, cafeteria and dining rooms are communication areas for the entire ensemble. Large glass surfaces allow the connection of interior and exterior space and continue the bright and positive learning atmosphere in the new building.

Together with the open spaces of the entrance forecourt and the dining hall, a compact, full facade is created using a light brick façade. Complemented and framed by trees and green areas, it becomes a learning island in the green of the city.