The studio of the architect Michael Wallraff won a competition ten years ago for a project for the reconstruction and consolidation of the campus of the Vocational School in St. Wallraff and his colleagues proposed to place flat case-plates around the perimeter of the site, and to occupy its center with a low "workshop" with an exploited roof. As a result, along with the necessary compaction, a new public space is being created.
In the past year, the first stage of the project was implemented: a two-story building of workshops, which the authors compare with a scarf thrown over the landscape, turning into a five-story part of the laboratories. The new building is at many points connected with the existing buildings, access to its green roof is provided by numerous stairs and ramps, so it fits tightly into the context. At the same time, its striking shape allows it to stand out among the diverse development of both the campus and the surrounding secondary and higher education institutions, which makes it, according to architects, a "socio-political statement" about the new role of vocational schools in the changing educational landscape.
The location of the workshops in the two-story part is due to the needs of lighting: they are supplied with sunlight through openings in the floors and light wells. The multi-tiered structure of some laboratories facilitates their technical and economic supply and creates a clear layout. Natural light is provided by the glazed north facade. Two staircase and recreational halls create a space for informal meetings and communication of students. On the west side, the new building can be expanded at any time.
Taking into account the future professions of students in construction and related to engineering networks, the building itself can serve as a teaching aid for them. In addition to the aforementioned natural lighting and green roofing, among the environmental components of the project are solar panels and collectors, ventilation with heat recovery, shading of the facade (including in the future with the help of climbing plants), a system for collecting and using rainwater.
