• high school
  • wesoła district
  • słowackiego street
  • 560 students
  • competition
  • 1st prize
  • 2019
  • completion
  • 2020-2022

high school

With economy of form at its heart, this architectural concept simultaneously embraces beauty in terms of space, aesthetics and urban design.

A contemporary school, despite rapid social and cultural shifts, remains essentially a cluster of classrooms with ample lighting hence requiring proper orientation in terms of cardinal directions. Accordingly, all study areas are positioned facing either east or west, thus defining the building’s overall form.

The classrooms are designed on a triple or double module 3,1m x 7,8m axis. These dimensions prove universal and set on a north-south axis, establish the entire building framework. This coherent construction grid comprises all subsequent building capacities and lends itself to adjustments and further reconstruction.

The use of regular grid axes is also reflected in intended architectural solutions – with regard to building facades as well as the interior. A simple window sketch was selected for the facades. Each outline of a perfect square incorporates one of five variations of glass division and arrangement of nontransparent parts. This solution provides both graphic and aesthetic possibilities as the windows are emphasized without breaking the unity and discipline of the facade canvas and its underlying premise.

Analogous tenets animate the interior expanse of the hallways. It is the interior building facade which the students will be in perpetual contact with. The walls between classrooms and the building’s interior transform into functional furniture pieces. Their recesses formed by 250 x 250cm squares serve as functional space containing seats, lockers, furniture, laptop work modules and alike. The possibilities are endless. The “utility wall” is two-sided, providing either clearance for hallways or forming classrooms – another simple and affordable solution that enables variety and produces a pleasant milieu. Indeed, a common predicament of many schools is the lack of seating or rest space during school breaks and the use of standard furniture most often fails the test of time.

Though all necessary basic building features rest on its facade, the essential space is hidden within the building block. First and foremost is the inner patio, the school’s courtyard refuge located outside, where students can enjoy fresh air and respite on the grass or terrace. Nearby, in the north-western corner is the cafeteria intended to make ample use of the adjacent patio space. Undoubtedly, it will be a favorite among students on warmer days.

Next is the auditorium – the heart of all major events, lectures and performances. A place to visit during ceremonies by not just the students, but by parents and guests. Strategically located directly next to the building’s entrance, it boasts a distinctive design that can eventually become a recognizable symbol of the school. Beneath the audience seating area, a modernistic space was saved for students and those visiting the school. Here, a student can rest on one of several seat-high platforms, await friends, read or recline on a pillow. A space to mingle and relax near an open locker room area and exit. A place bursting with vigor and life beginning each morning.

Beyond the school building’s primary structure is a spacious gym along with its supply area. Its “disconnection” from the main structure produces a spacious arcade suitable for meetings and leisure. An urban portico – an invaluable part of both public and educational infrastructure. A place to await friends beyond the the school walls. A space in-between. A priceless amenity.