Guido Gezelle

The new school building replaces the outdated school infrastructure and must be realized without compromising the continuity of the school. Consequently, the shape of the new school building is the result of the available space and is conceived to be as compact as possible. It accommodates 12 classrooms for primary education, 5 kindergarten classrooms, and 4 multi-purpose rooms. The existing gymnasium will be retained but will be thoroughly renovated. On the ground floor, a double-height refectory is centrally located in the building, supporting the adjacent functions. The refectory is flanked on the east side by 5 kindergarten classrooms, and on the west side by the kindergarten as well as administrative functions.

The first floor contains 7 classrooms and 2 multi-purpose rooms, grouped around a central corridor with a spacious atrium. The atrium is visually connected to the refectory below and guarantees sufficient daylight in the central part of the refectory. On the second floor, there are another 5 classrooms and 2 multi-purpose rooms, also grouped around a central corridor with an atrium. The trapezoidal contour of the building shifts per floor, creating several covered outdoor play areas that can be accessed directly via the central corridors. Several striking outdoor staircases connect the outdoor play areas and also serve as additional evacuation routes.They are bordered by concrete parapets that also serve as planters. They lend the building its distinctive appearance and underscore the horizontal layering, both programmatically and structurally.