Hildegard-von-
Bingen-Gymnasium,
Cologne

After a preliminary negotiated procedure for the extension of the Hildegard-von-Bingen-Gymnasium in Cologne, kister scheithauer gross architekten und stadtplaner have now been commissioned with the implementation. Part of the offer was an impromptu design for the planning implementation of the construction task. Completion is scheduled for 2020.
ksg has developed a compact three-storey building, which structures and encloses the schoolyard. A “learning staircase” connects the ground floor foyer with the first floor – which accommodates specialist classrooms and administrative offices – and thus becomes the communicative focal point. The classroom level is located on the 2nd floor, away from the main circulation routes. The lowered sports hall with the corresponding secondary and technical rooms provides a solid foundation and benefits from natural side lighting and views to the sky. The sports hall has a separate entrance which can be used as a public entrance in the evenings and on weekends.
The landscape design by greenbox Landschaftsarchitekten supports the architectural concept and provides individual “landscape islands” which – with varying layouts – structure the schoolyard with their loose positioning.