Primary school Erlaaer Schleife Vienna

The new Erlaaer Schleife 2 primary school is located at the interface of different urban spaces. Precisely aligned, it mediates between the neighbouring buildings and at the same time forms the end of the existing educational buildings along the U6 line as well as the prelude to the new urban expansion area "In der Wiesen Ost". Designed as an adaptive strip with multiple bends, the building's geometry creates open spaces with diverse qualities.

The eastern wing of the school is orientated towards the existing building and the neighbouring residential blocks. Moving closer to the existing school creates an efficient connection between the two educational facilities on the one hand and a spacious forecourt that opens up to the park to the south on the other. Access to the school grounds is via this open space. The spacious assembly hall functions as a flowing space that connects central communal areas such as the dining hall, library, multi-purpose hall and workrooms.

The idea of a generous, enclosed central open space, which is available to both schools, forms a central design approach. Raising part of this open space to the roof of the gymnasium wing creates a clear spatial setting and a sensible boundary to the adjacent car park and the underground embankment. The dining hall with south-facing terrace and the workrooms with adjoining work yard have direct access to the outside.

The two upper floors each house two clusters, which are accessed from a spacious circulation zone. The educational spaces are grouped on three sides around the centrally located multifunctional area (MuFu), which serves as an extended learning zone and "marketplace". This opens up to the outside with generous glazing. A terrace in front functions as an open-plan classroom - together with the MuFu, this creates a coherent, versatile learning landscape.