Children's learning progress also depends on the environment in which they move around. But it is not only a friendly school building that is important for learning success; an inviting canteen or library rooms also play an important role at an all-day school. The canteen and administration building at IGS Auguste Cornelius in Mainz-Hechtsheim was the second of three planned construction phases as part of the complete redesign of the school site. A new primary school building and the third construction phase of the IGS are currently being built or planned. The new canteen and administration building forms an intersection and meeting point for two schools that are separated according to their school types and housed in their own school buildings: Theodor Heuss Primary School and IGS Auguste Cornelius. 

In collaboration with Sinopoli Architekten, Heidacker Architekten planned the new building in such a way that the schoolyard forms a new open and green center. The clear and calm design language of the building ensures clarity even from the outside - inside the building, clear paths and different, friendly colors provide good orientation. While the architects have achieved maximum openness on the first floor, the atrium on the second floor for the upper floors also creates a wonderful reading courtyard for the school library. The canteen on the first floor, which can also be used as a function room, serves the pupils of both schools in two shifts. Two different entrances, spatially assigned to the schools, ensure the separation of the two dining hall areas, which was desired by the school operator. The central kitchen area is located on the side facing away from the schoolyard so that it can be accessed easily and without disrupting school or break times. Speaking of the continuation of school and break times: the new building was constructed without disrupting school operations. The architects therefore also ensured that the schoolyard could be used safely during the construction phase and separated construction site and school traffic through accurate planning of all construction processes. Former Mayor of Mainz Michael Ebling, among others, was delighted with the successful planning and implementation: "The new building is a huge gain for both Theodor Heuss Primary School and IGS Auguste Cornelius. Both schools will use the canteen together and I am sure it will become a real meeting place."

www.sinopoli-architekten.de

www.heidacker.de

Photos:

Silv Malkmus

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 03|23)