The 8,750 m² of new construction and renovation has delivered remarkable improvements: naturally lit classrooms outfitted with cutting-edge technology that foster differentiated instruction; 13 specialized spaces for art, music, drama, and all-day programming; a student-focused cafeteria and kiosk operated by the school's own management company; and an expanded, vertically extended school wing. Beyond meeting today's educational standards, the complete restructuring has transformed the Herder School in Giessen into a fully accessible facility, thanks to a new lift system.

Faced with significant space demands, both quantitative and qualitative, Christl+Bruchhäuser Freie Architekten completely reimagined the large Giessen grammar school, adding new construction and adapting it to contemporary pedagogical needs. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the former courtyard—transformed into a covered media center that has become the true heart of the building, both functionally and socially. Daylight and supplementary light ceilings create a bright, welcoming atmosphere that's further enhanced by high-quality built-in furnishings and elegant wooden shelving. The result is an inspiring learning environment featuring a library with lending services, a reading room, computer workstations, and generous breakout areas.

A dedicated building systems strategy ensures excellent air quality in classrooms through active ventilation with heat recovery—delivering constant fresh air that directly supports student health and learning. Beyond comfort, this approach delivers measurable environmental gains: the heat recovery system captures thermal energy from exhaust air and redirects it to incoming fresh air, substantially reducing energy consumption. The result is lower heating costs, a reduced ecological footprint, and significantly lower CO₂ emissions for the school.

www.cba-ffm.de

Photography Credits:

Norbert Miguletz
www.miguletz.de

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 01|24)