Eröffnung Gesamtschule Kolkwitz

From Brown Coal to Education – Architecture as a Catalyst

Comprehensive School with Upper Secondary Level and Three-field Sports Hall in the Lusatia region

Lusatia, a former lignite mining region, is facing the challenges of a profound structural transformation. To retain young families in the area, more educational offerings are being developed – not only in elementary education but now also in secondary schools. The Spree-Neisse district, located in the eastern part of Brandenburg along the Polish border, has paved the way for a comprehensive school with an upper secondary level and a three-field sports hall. Sehw Architektur, after winning the competition, implemented the project as an inclusive and inspiring learning environment. The expansive building complex is nestled within the rural surroundings of Kolkwitz. It highlights the vastness of the surrounding nature while meeting modern educational standards.

Eröffnung Gesamtschule Kolkwitz
Gesamtschule Kolkwitz Gesamtschule Kolkwitz

The urban planning concept impresses with its flat, cohesive design, which is divided into several volumes and thus optimally integrated into the landscape. The building ensemble spreads extensively across the site, with its structure responding to factors such as accessibility, noise pollution and topography of the site. The one- and two-storey building sections are connected by generous terraces, giving the complex an inviting and balanced appearance. This arrangement skilfully mediates between the nearby village and the surrounding open landscape, creating a seamless transition.

If the school is envisioned as a town, the atrium serves as the marketplace. From there, the spacious school boulevard leads to the individual neighbourhoods, the learning clusters. The floor plans spatially reflect contemporary pedagogical learning concepts and allow for future changes thanks to a high degree of flexibility.

Eröffnung Gesamtschule Kolkwitz
Gesamtschule Kolkwitz
Gesamtschule Kolkwitz

Inside, the design captivates due to its clear organisation and flexible spatial structures. General classrooms on the upper floor provide a quiet learning atmosphere, while specialised rooms, administration and communal areas are located on the ground floor. Particularly striking are the cluster units, which create communicative spaces through central learning zones and generous flights of stairs. The roof terraces between the taller building sections can be used as green classrooms, further enhancing the connection between the interior and exterior.

Eröffnung Gesamtschule Kolkwitz
Eröffnung Gesamtschule Kolkwitz
Eröffnung Gesamtschule Kolkwitz
Gesamtschule Kolkwitz
Gesamtschule Kolkwitz

The light-coloured brick façade lends the building an elegant appearance, harmonising with the surrounding nature. The material is typical of the region and highly durable. Large ribbon windows provide ample daylight and emphasise the rhythmic structure of the building. In the interior, natural materials such as wood, linoleum and stone dominate the spatial atmosphere. Open louvres in the communal areas and acoustic ceilings in the classrooms ensure optimal conditions for both lively interaction and focused work.

With this project, Sehw Architektur, as the general planner, together with its partners, has created an innovative and forward-thinking educational centre that not only impresses architecturally but also meets the highest standards of functionality, sustainability and inclusion. An innovative school design with green classrooms and lush orchards – learning in harmony with nature!

  • Project type

    New construction

  • Purpose

    Education

  • GFA

    10,879 m²

  • Project status

    Completed 2024

  • Period

    2019 – 2024

  • Procurement

    Competition

  • Awards

    1. Prize

  • Construction cost

    47,200,000 €

  • Service phases

    1 – 8 (HOAI)

  • Project team

    Susanne Boss
    Achim Eilmsteiner
    Jacqueline Ekteshafi

    Andrea Fitz
    Maria Peña

    Sandra Scheffl
    Daniel Spievak
    Tatiana Trindade