Young Europeans

Will it stay or can it go? Three modular timber buildings will be erected on the campus of the international German school in Brussels in 2025 for a temporary period of three years. At the end of their useful life, one building will remain standing and be used as a daycare centre and preschool in the future. The other two buildings will be dismantled and used for other purposes at a different location. This is our idea of a circular economy. The design of the daycare centre is based on the new school building, which was awarded first prize in a competition. Nevertheless, the daycare centre develops its own character and shows the modular, serial nature of industrial production in the stringency of the façade. A glazed recess on the ground floor accentuates the entrance and welcomes users and visitors. The wooden façade with vertical formwork gives the unagitated, clear volume a playful, lively feel. The large windows provide the teaching and learning spaces with optimal daylight. In addition to the group rooms, the interior organisation provides a central common area for free play. A good new place for children, parents and teachers and for the emerging learning neighbourhood. It's definitely here to stay!