The original school design by Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter, consist of a repeated structure of building and courtyards and the new extensions uses this theme to establish daylight in the classes by huge crystal openings.
Description of the project by Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter
Dorte Mandrup Arkitekterwas asked by the municipality of Gentofte to work on the restoration and extension of "Arne Jacobsen's Munkegårds School". The assignment covered the renovation and completion of new access and distribution structures in the existing building, a reprogramming of the school and a 1500 sqm extension to the school.
The 5500 sqm existing buildings were designed by Arne Jacobsen and built 1954-1956. When the school was built, it was very modern having well lit bright classrooms with direct connections to private green court yards - all on ground floor. Arne Jacobsen designed, furniture, fixtures and did the landscaping as well. It is appointed to be one of Arne Jacobsen's masterpieces. A project that the foundation RealDania supported financially to ensure the quality of the building.
Munkegård School was listed in 1995. Today the school appears almost as originally, but in 2005 it showed signs of wear over the years. The restoration included both preserving interventions and renovation according to Arne Jacobsen’s old detail drawings to bring back some missing details.
A wide range of materials, products and built-in furniture originally used in the construction of the school was still available. The goal was to restore and return the school to its original appearance to restore and reconstruct materials and building components where these had been modified / removed.
The school's desire to implement interdisciplinary teaching and the ability to differentiate instruction according to body and health”, “nature and technology” and Physics and chemistry. All specialized spaces are connected with a large common area, that again connects to the rest of the school. The large space allows for experimental courses, and is also used by the pupils for group-work; is located under ground - Underneath the existing schoolyard.
Original and new court yards: The original school consists of a repeated structure of building and courtyards. The design of the new underground extension used this theme, establishing daylight in the parterre plan via 4 large courtyards, designed as crystal-like openings. The proportions are half of the original court yards and appear rectangular and well defined from the playground.The court yards, with these organic shapes, are used as outdoor space in connection with the old project.
An important reprogramming of the school was turning the old assembly hall into the school library. It’s location in the centre of the school was ideal for a new lively “heart” of the school. The steel construction is clad in load-bearing cellular polycarbonate to allow daylight.
CREDITS. TECHNICAL DATA.-
Project.- Restoration, reprogramming and extension for Munkegaard School.
Architects.- Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter.
Consultants.- Carl Bro A/S and COWI A/S (engineer), Hoffman A/S (contractor), Jönsson A/S (large enterprise), Enemærke & Petersen A/S (concrete and masonry), NCC A/S (Installation), Snoer & Sons A/S (Closing), Emil Nielsen Smedeværksted (Smiths Enterprise), LK Group A/S (Gartner Enterprise), Dansk Belægnings Entreprise A/S (Stocking Enterprise), Marianne Levinsen Landskab (Landscape).
Client.- Gentofte Municipality / School Expansion Project “SKUB”.
Area.- Total 7000 sqm (5500 sqm existing school, 1500 sqm new building)
Content.- 450 pupils and 38 teachers (2009/2010)
Dates.- 1956, Project made by Arne Jacobsen; 1995, the school was listed; Project made by Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter, (Construction: January 2006 - October 2009)
Status.- Completed. Opening, 27 October 2009.
Adress.- Vangedevej 178, 2870 Dyssegård, Denmark.
