The new school building is intended to strengthen the school’s pedagogical concept, which is based on diversity, trust, and belonging, while also providing a forward-looking education that supports students in their individual development. To create a motivating learning atmosphere and enhance individual talents, the building will be divided into learning clusters with specialized classrooms, group work areas, and project workspaces. These will offer flexible learning environments and enable harmonious collaboration among all participants. Additionally, integrated recreational and retreat areas in the winding learning corridor will promote well-being and accommodate various learning needs. The architecture supports the pedagogical concept and creates an environment that encourages discovery, experimentation, and collaborative learning.
Dahlmann school Competition
Non-open architectural realization competition with a pre-selection phase
In light of the projected increase in student numbers in the coming years, as well as the necessity to meet the demands of contemporary and modern learning, the city of Bad Segeberg has initiated an architectural competition for the expansion of the Dahlmann School. The goal is to develop an innovative and functional spatial concept that addresses the educational needs of the future while considering the urban context.
The architectural measures focus on two renovation areas within the school grounds. On one hand, the adjacent plot next to the sports hall will be redesigned for educational purposes. On the other hand, the smaller area next to the cafeteria is intended to facilitate its expansion.
1. The extension for the Dahlmann School - A place for learning and discovering
The proposed design unites two contrasting ideas – openness and focus. Two overlapping rectangles create a clear structure of various usage and spatial qualities, forming two distinct areas for open and deep-focused learning. The central staircase serves as both an atrium and a vertical connection between all floors. It leads directly to the interaction area known as the learning corridor, which facilitates dynamic group learning and thus becomes essentially the heart of the building. This area is connected to the service and sanitary core behind it, as well as the classrooms located in front.
Connection of Interior and Exterior
The ground floor of the new building is crafted as an open and welcoming learning environment. The expansive makerspace, featuring a large window front that faces the street, provides students with a dedicated area for creative work and experimentation. Each floor grants access to a flexible learning space, ideal for group collaboration and various learning styles. Adjacent to this area, a shaded courtyard seamlessly connects the interior with nature, offering an additional recreational space. This harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor areas fosters both learning and the overall well-being of the students.
The Staircase as Atrium
The staircase, designed with a striking single-run cascading form and a glass roof, creates a luminous atrium that seamlessly connects the various floors. The expansive glass ceiling invites abundant natural light, enhancing the inspiring atmosphere within the building. Serving as both a radiant passageway and one of the two essential escape routes, the central staircase ensures the safety of students while fostering a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.
2. Extension of the Cafeteria: Space for Encounter and Enjoyment
The second part of the competition project focuses on updating the old cafeteria to better meet the needs of future generations of students. The extension of the dining hall flows seamlessly with the existing building’s shape and features an adjacent terrace for students to enjoy. To enhance accessibility, a ramp will be included in the outdoor space. The architectural design and facade of the new cafeteria wing are inspired by the style and construction of the school building’s extension, using a mix of wood and glass to create a harmonious look.
The extension of the cafeteria will not only increase capacity but also enhance the quality of the environment for students. The accessible design and appealing architecture make the extension a valuable addition to the existing cafeteria building.
Concept Stage Platform – How to Store 900 Chairs
One of the exciting challenges in the competition was to devise a storage solution for a total of 900 chairs. Our custom-designed approach takes advantage of the unused space beneath the newly planned stage in the cafeteria, transforming it into a discreet storage area. Imagine a spacious drawer: nine rows of stage platforms will neatly accommodate the carefully stacked chairs, making them easily accessible at all times.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Sustainability is a central element of the concept. The use of wood as a renewable resource, the optimization of energy efficiency through an effective building envelope, and the integration of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics, contribute to an environmentally friendly operation. The green roof enhances the microclimate and provides a habitat for insects and plants. For preservation reasons, the photovoltaic elements are set back from the edge of the building. Rainwater from the green roof is collected in a cistern, allowing for reuse.
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