Following a competitive selection process, BFK Architekten designed this new canteen for the Korntal-Münchingen school centre—a striking addition to the northern edge of the campus. The single-story, cube-form structure anchors a vibrant plaza connecting three key buildings: the Flattichschule, the Münchingen youth centre, and the music society house. Its clinker brick façade creates a deliberate dialogue with the existing buildings, maintaining architectural continuity across the campus. The new canteen replaces a temporary structure long pressed into service. During peak hours, it primarily serves the after-school program, feeding children who remain on campus until 5 p.m. The kitchen produces approximately 360 meals daily, with the dining room accommodating 160 students.

The floor plan divides the building into two distinct zones: the service area—including auxiliary spaces and kitchen—faces north, while the dining and social areas open toward the south. A central circulation spine connects these zones, flowing from the entrance through the corridor to the serving counter. A movable partition wall within the multi-purpose room enables flexible configurations and variable room sizes, making the entire facility adaptable for school events and community gatherings well into the evening hours.

Generous glazing orients both interior spaces toward the campus plaza and the site's entrance, flooding the canteen with daylight. The wooden Lignatur ceilings define the atmosphere—their warm natural tones and excellent acoustics foster an inviting, quality dining environment. Against this organic warmth stands the exposed concrete wall separating the dining area from the service zones, providing visual contrast without interruption. The formwork itself becomes a design gesture: a lower section of board-marked concrete contrasts with smooth concrete above the doorways, creating visual rhythm through minimal means. Color plays an equally purposeful role: the cheerful yellow floor and vibrant seating reinforce the space's social mission. Yellow, after all, naturally encourages conversation and togetherness—a fitting foundation for a gathering place.

www.bfk-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Dietmar Strauß
www.dietmar-strauss.de

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 02|20)