Schulcampus Hollabrunn

Planungszeitraum: 2019
Nutzfläche: 3800m2

Architektur: Mina Yaney
Tragwerksplanung: Bollinger+Grohmann

The linkage of education, culture, music, recreation, and landscape forms the identity-defining strategy of the urban-architectural concept. The new educational center in Hollabrunn consolidates various educational institutions and combines educational, cultural, musical, and recreational spaces into a hybrid typology. Our approach is intended to be emblematic and forward-thinking for the future urban development of Hollabrunn.

The urban analysis revealed  that the Göllersbach stream is forming a corridor through the planning area which blocks accessibility from the east. To the west, similarly, the railway tracks and the UVN substation hinder western access to the site. This configuration shapes the area along a north-south axis, fragments the location, and prevents the potential development of a cohesive urban identity.

To break this one-dimensional orientation, a large bridge is proposed over the Göllersbach in the east, guiding visitors along an artificial topography from the stream promenade into the building. The topography is integrated into the building while gradually transitioning into the structure’s volume. This gesture is also intended as an initial renaturation measure for the Göllersbach, while simultaneously creating an attractive link to the new middle school (Kornherrgasse 4). A bike path, following the topography, accommodates cyclists and non-motorized traffic from the stream promenade and leads them, on two distinct levels, to the school campus. A vertical playing wing is designed to connect all 3 floors above the aula while operating as a meeting and interactive space. It is conceptualized as a hanging playground fostering learning through play and interaction.

The gaming wing is a new space for interaction. It connects like a hanging playground with all three floors above the aula. Game-pedagogical and neuroscientific findings are translated spatially and enable a unique spatial experience. The gaming wing is also a “didactic wing” because it creates an interactive, vertical connection between the levels while thereby playfully breaking through the pragmatic order of the “floor-logic” to create space for new connections and new relationships. The students have the opportunity to learn through play and to meet themselves, their classmates and teachers in a playful way. The gaming wing can be played and staged individually by students and teachers. Certain areas of knowledge can also be presented in the form of a game and learned interactively.

The proposed building is designed using lightweight construction with a steel skeleton, partially complemented by wooden and glazing elements and minimal aluminum cladding. The construction method allows for future expansion and ensures the building remains flexible in both form and function, facilitating future adaptations.