architecture
OSBS de Archipel
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architecture
interior
education
completion
2025
project team
Maarten Sanders, Nyasha Harper, Sébastien Marty,
Yves Sellam, Ernst-Jan Schoute & Erwin Spijker
location
Vreewijk, Rotterdam
client
BOOR foundation
compact school for low-incentive education
The Archipel is an elementary school for special education. The demand for a low stimulus and safe environment led to a compact building in which everything is connected. Centrally located in the building is an auditorium that connects the various departments on both levels. It is the place where on all school days the children are welcomed by the teachers in the morning, before they go to their own corner in the building. Since many of the children are brought by cab vans, a second main entrance was created at the rear of the building.
The design of the building is inspired by reconstruction architecture. Together with the simultaneously designed double gymnasium next to school, it forms an ensemble of simple geometric forms. The facades have a graphic pattern with lines and planes that show the internal structure of the building.
low stimulus educational environment
In the ambition document, the importance of a low stimulus environment is indicated. We think the base of white and light tones can be complemented with light natural materials. We believe that the touchability of the building, the way everything feels, has a great influence on the way the environment is experienced, and can contribute to the calmness and safety that an environment exudes.
central space
The heart of the building is the central space that connects all space clusters. Here we create a wide grandstand staircase that is also the main connection to the middle and upstairs buildings. A folding wall allows the rooms in the central space to be combined for school-wide activities. The ancillary entrance on the playground side also opens directly onto the central space, so that the children are welcomed here in the morning when they are brought. The playroom has a view of the playground and could also, by opening the doors, connect to it.
