28 PEB I Compendium of exemplary educational facilities

Rudolf Steinerschool Leuven, Belgium

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The project combines the renovation of a modernist and cubisttheatre, built in 1933 by architect De Ligne, with the addition ofnew organic and dynamic areas in a contemporary and local

interpretation of anthroposophic architecture that reflects the overallpedagogical philosophy. The buildings are practical, artistic and inharmony with the landscape in which they are built, both in form andmaterial.

A connecting spiral

The project is situated in a park area divided in three parts by lindenalleys. These three parts are connected by a spiral footpath that providesthe functional backbone of the project. This spiral ends up in the internalcirculation and the arts tower where the music room and other workshopsare located, while the main classrooms are located along the corridorforming part of the spiral. The renovated theatre offers expanded studioand art space.

Low impact construction

Energy efficiency is addressed through optimal isolation, orientation, useof natural light and controlled ventilation. The production of sustainableenergy was not possible, but particular strategies such as the reuse ofrainwater for lavatories and the application of rainwater in the layout ofthe playground are notable. The new building materials have littleenvironmental impact in their production, application and use.

A group of teachers and parents worked together on all aspects of theproject from the analysis, evaluation and elaboration of the building site to the architectural expression and concept, including issues ofsustainability and choice of materials. The architects gave workshops ineach class, where the children could draw, describe and model theschool of their dreams. Inspired by these ideas, the architects providedthe final and coherent synthesis.

The Steiner pedagogy offers a general education at primary and secondarylevel with a focus not only on acquisition of knowledge but also on artistic(music, dance, theatre, arts) and technical (crafts, gardening) development.“The new building shows harmony, a sprinkling of light and contact withthe surrounding nature. The playing child, the growing up pupil and the developing adolescent have a full formation in this stimulatingsurrounding. The realisation of the project means an increase in valuefor the pedagogical project,” explains the facilities manager.

Rudolf Steinerschool Leuven, Belgium

CriteriaFlexibility / Community / Sustainability/Security / Finance

ArchitectABCD (Architects Bekker, Carnoy and Deru)

Type of SchoolPrimary and lower secondary

No. of Students360

Type of ProjectNew building

Gross Surface Area 4 400 m2

Year of Completion2000

ClientVZW Rudolf Steinerschool

29PEBCompendium of exemplary educational facilities I

Rudolf Steinerschool Leuven, Belgium

30 PEB I Compendium of exemplary educational facilities

“Welcoming andartistic, expressing wellits educational function.Parent involvement,including fundraising,has resulted in aninspirational building.”

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