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Client
International School Utrecht, Municipality of Utrecht
Status
In planning stage
Progress
2019-2026
Size
15,000
m2
Innovative school buildings promote the implementation of pedagogical concepts that are so important for the development of children. Age-appropriate learning, enjoyment of everyday school life, the opportunity for interaction and freedom of movement are factors that are fundamental when planning a school building. In addition, spacious and high-quality outdoor spaces are an important criterion when it comes to well-being in everyday school life.
In collaboration with SVP architectuur en stedebouw, CROSS Architecture developed a new vision for the International School Utrecht to precisely address these needs. The building brings together primary and secondary education on a flowing campus that facilitates intercultural learning both indoors and outdoors.
Laid out for a total of 1,200 children and teenagers aged 4-18, the school building with its open structure encourages interaction between different age groups and cultural backgrounds. The school is accessed via a large section of the building cubature. Immediately behind it, the entrance area is divided into two floors - the younger children enter the building at ground level, while the secondary school pupils reach their learning area on the second floor via a staircase. The "flow of traffic" is thus solved architecturally. In addition to the sports hall, the assembly hall, theater rooms and other learning spaces are located at central points in the building. The underlying aim is to offer places for people of all ages to meet and interact in the heart of the school through this highly frequented use.
Another feature of the new vision for the International School Utrechti s direct access to the natural surroundings. In addition to its clear form on the city side, the building creates a soft transition towards nature at the rear. Green, terraced roof landscapes open up towards the Amelisweerd nature reserve. The classroom is thus relocated to the countryside - indoor and outdoor activities can be combined within the school building.
In collaboration with Copijn Landschapsarchitecten, CROSS and SVP designed an extensive outdoor area of 2,100 square metres. Amidst nature, the architecture creates open spaces for children and teenagers to explore through sports and play.
“The entrance area feels organic, open, and inviting. The design offers a beautiful combination of learning and communal spaces. All rooms seem to flow into each other and have a wonderfully natural connection with the outdoor areas and the landscape.”
International School Utrecht, Municipality of Utrecht
Competition
M. Blom, E. Führer, L. Rutten, J. van der Wal, D. van Diepen, team SVP
Copijn landscape architects
Pieters Bouwtechniek
DWA
DWA
DWA
SVP, DMOO
