The "AHS Reininghaus" School by j-c-k (Janser Castorina Katzenberger) features a sheltered, semi-public space for meetings, events, and other community activities that connects the secondary school with the nearby primary school. Transparent, multi-purpose rooms are arranged around the courtyard. The double-height lobby is framed by a wide staircase overlooking the courtyard, which also serves as an auditorium.
A fluid spatial network is created, comprised of learning islands, multi-purpose corridors, and landscaped terraces arranged around the courtyard, which has an open central area and shaded seating areas. The interior design, with its wooden surfaces and warm tones that create a welcoming atmosphere, uses color to organize the different zones through a system of visual and written signage.
"AHS Reininghaus" school by j-c-k. Photograph by Federico Cairoli.
Project description by j-c-k
Urban planning
A secondary school for 1000 pupils was to be founded and built for the newly developed Reininghaus district. The 4-storey development of the "AHS Reininghaus" extends in an L-shape along the streets Am Steinfeld and Margarethe-SchütteLihotzky-Straße and forms the noise-protecting, north-eastern end of Quartier 12. The central stepping towards the south-west fragments the compact, L-shaped building mass - creating a striking sequence of terrace incisions.
Landscaping
The green schoolyard is located in the front. Enclosed by the school building, it works as a sheltered, semi-public place to meet and linger. It is connected to the neighboring elementary school and offers the possibility of intersecting the public space across schools.
Assembly hall - schoolyard
The transparent multifunctional rooms - assembly hall, dining hall and multi-purpose hall - are positioned around the schoolyard. The two-storey reception hall is framed to the east by a wide staircase with a view of the schoolyard, which can be used as a grandstand.
In everyday school life, the ground floor offers ample space for breaks, temporary exhibitions and inter-class lessons. The space can also be flexibly combined for events.
Ribbon and core
The guiding principle of the project is the interplay of two layers: The ribbon contains classrooms arranged in a compact band with an outward orientation. The core in the center of the building creates a magical and inspiring learning environment and promotes the experience of community.
A flowing spatial network of learning islands, multipurpose corridors and terrace gardens, flooded with light and with multi-layered views, is created. The incised, green terraces and the schoolyard remain perceptible at all times and support orientation.
Functional areas: clusters and departments
The secondary school is organized in clusters, the high school in - pedagogically still experimental departments. Here, teaching takes place exclusively in the associated departments. The Homebase provides a social meeting place.
The self-contained areas for clusters and Homebase are located at the ends of each of the three upper floors. Each cluster comprises 4 classrooms and a flexible, open learning zone. The clusters and the home base convey a sense of security and retreat.
Between them are the departments, whose learning islands are in direct contact with the terrace gardens. All learning islands, which act as sub-centers, are equipped with come-together tables.
Access
The access system, which is as short and clear as possible, consists of two cores that connect all clusters and departments without passing through other functional areas. Therefore, all rooms are accessible without barriers. In addition, the central staircase leads directly to the administration area on the first floor. There are three gymnasiums in the basement, which have a view of the auditórium through wide interior glazing. The second entrance allows external use of the gymnasium as well as direct access to the communal sport field.
Landscape and facade
The schoolyard with a loose grove of trees offers a central open area as well as shady areas with seating. The terraced gardens are covered in climbing plants, which in a fully grown state will serve as sun protection and counteract overheating. Over the course of the year, they create different impressions (blossoms, fragrance, autumn colors of the leaves).
An externa staircase connects the entire terrace and roof landscape. Here you will find various green and shaded recreational areas that can be used as outdoor classrooms.
The roof impresses with fun courts, a running track and a boulder wall. The façade design extends the idea of greening the building and gives the school a friendly face in a still fallow environment. The gradations in the color scheme break up the building towards the top.
Identity
The interior design and the murals are part of a color-coordinated overall concept that structures individual areas under a graphic and textual guidance system. Wooden surfaces and warm colors enhance the pleasant and inspiring room atmosphere.
The architecture supports the "AHS Reininghaus - Fostering a new generation of creative thinkers."
