bbz landschaftsarchitekten: The school complex “Volksschule Manuel” is an important well-preserved pavilion school from the post-war period in Bern, Switzerland. The buildings and the generous open space are of historic preservation interest. Through the renovation and extension, the school complex was adapted to today’s needs and legal requirements, while at the same time enabling contemporary uses in the historical context.
The school buildings are lined up along an arcade, the end of which is formed by the gymnasium. The two and three-storey buildings stand on either side of the arcade. The placement of two new buildings continues the spatial principle of the enclosed courtyards and strengthens the overall expression of the complex. The result is an exciting interplay between the individual schoolyards designed to cater the needs of different age groups of pupils. Spacious playgrounds with areas for natural play and movement, various play structures and resting areas create a dynamic yet harmonious open school space. A pump track invites children to motion play and provides an exciting alternative to conventional playground equipment. Another innovative feature of the new design is the sustainable rainwater infiltration. Even though the area is located on partially contaminated ground, it was possible to develop a system that naturally enables rainwater to be returned on site.
The project also focusses on strengthening and creating biodiversity. Most of the valuable big existing trees were integrated into the design and complemented with future-proof trees appropriate to the location. Different permeable coverings around the area such as gravel or gravel turf allow flower meadows and ruderal vegetation to develop. Herbaceous borders and shrubs create ecological habitats for insects, birds and other small animals.
Outside school hours the entire area is open to neighbourhood residents. This creates a public space that is integrated into the urban neighbourhood.
The result is a school complex that combines monument-appropriate refurbishment, modern landscape architecture and sustainable open space utilisation.
Landscape architecture: bbz landschaftsarchitekten
Year completed: 2021
Photo credits: Daniela Valentini, Alexander Gempeler
