The challenge in designing the Brede school in ’s-Gravenpolder was in bringing together all of the different users into one building in such a way that we could create opportunities for common use of the spaces. At the same time, we had to take the age difference between the children into account. Between two tight rows of large classrooms we built a two-storey middle area that can be used by both schools, the elementary schools De Linden and De Rank, with space for a media centre, play areas and a workshop. A patio provides daylight for the middle area and forms an intimate place for the smallest children to play outside. Children from the lower classes in both schools have their own entrances.
Two intertwined arches symbolise the unity of the two schools, while different coloured brickwork emphasises each school’s individuality. The social room also received its own place in a sound-proof, half sunken element. Its roof forms an amphitheatre in the schoolyard.
