Built Landscape for Inclusive Education
Lebenshilfe Donau-Iller is a regional non-profit organisation providing services for persons with intellectual disabilities. The institution launched an international competition for the design of a special educational needs centre, with a particular emphasis on cognitive growth. In the development of its site in the Swabian town of Senden, the focus lies on the specific requirements of children as well as on ecological sustainability. The implementation of the complex spatial programme during ongoing operation and the confined site conditions represent significant challenges. The new building is to be constructed in phases and will be integrated into the existing educational landscape via the central campus car park. Instead of a dominant large-scale form, a series of smaller units tailored to young people is chosen.
Access for children, visitors and staff is clearly organised; short distances and separated circulation flows ensure orientation and safety. The centrepiece of the complex is the two-storey hall with gallery, landscape stair and flexibly usable stage as an open space for events and everyday encounters. The sports, therapy and movement rooms are also centrally arranged in order to emphasise the broad pedagogical programme. The children’s building is divided on each floor into two clusters around a small central space with direct access to protected outdoor areas, which offer a variety of play and climbing opportunities. The youth area, by contrast, is organised on each floor into three educational levels. The design is characterised above all by the fact that the clusters, unlike in conventional schools, are each conceived as self-contained protected learning units. The classrooms are arranged around a small central space, with shared areas allowing flexible access.
The six cluster buildings are constructed in prefabricated timber, while the central volume is realised as a timber hybrid structure. The façades have opening elements, integrated blinds and space-defining balustrades, which are complemented by balconies and walkways for sun shading as well as vegetated double columns. The surrounding area is divided into three age-appropriate break zones with a large, organically shaped open space at the centre.
