Waldschlösschen School Velbert

Waldschlösschen School

The Genius Loci provides the basis for our concept of a living space for students and teachers within the school complex, which is to be built in the forest clearing on the hilltop in the Bergisch region in Velbert-Neviges and harmoniously integrate there.
We have developed harmonious and coherent building and open spaces that are rooted in the site and provide people with a positive, pleasant learning environment for optimal development. The appearance should be distinctive and offer identity and identification.

The school complex has four wings arranged in a way that evokes an association with a butterfly or a dragonfly. The butterfly, as a symbol of sensitivity and freedom, and the dragonfly, as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and adaptability, are not only memorable but also offer a good motto for school use: Live your life and discover what the world has to offer.

From the center, the forum/marketplace, the amphitheater, with an open, encounter-promoting atrium spanning four floors, the individual “houses” are accessed:

The 4 wings each house the learning area clusters for the primary, middle, and upper school levels, as well as the administration, the cafeteria, and the special rooms.
Along the building’s course, an internal amphitheater emerges from the natural topography, oriented towards the valley side (East). Furthermore, all artistic and musical facilities are located there. Visual connections and sightlines are possible across all floors.
A spacious open staircase connects the ground floor with the first and second upper floors. Additionally, this “marketplace” features a large tree indoors, which makes the integration with the surrounding nature tangible and positively contributes to the indoor climate.