Bonifaciusschool

Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands

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Bonifaciusschool

Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands

Firm

FARO architecten

Type

Educational › Elementary School

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2011

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

“In Rome I visted the baths of Caracalla. I saw beautiful arcs. Why don’t we make arcs anymore, I wondered. I wanted to refer to this architecture, work in this tradition.” FARO is interested in picking up history. An architect always builds in a tradition, even when he consciously distances himself from it. “Answering history in today’s language opens many doors.” - Hugo de Clercq, project architect

Alphen aan den Rijn is turning into a real city. The to be developed Bonifacius location will also become an area with urban construction. The new Bonifacius school is the first step in the new urban plan that FARO is making for this part of Alphen.
The appearance of the building will fit into the current urban architecture with a brick plinth under a light metal façade. The brick will be enhanced with arcs: characteristic, recognizable and strong. The lighter upper façade has horizontal lines and contrasts with color and texture. Building the new school is part of the grander scheme for the Bonifacius location that will also house new apartments, assisted care residences, shops with a parking garage and, in the old school building a hotel or restaurant.
The first building of plan is now ready: the Roman Catholic elementary school Bonifacius. The building refers both to the future as to the past. The design is evidently modern but uses historic elements. Elements that we use in Roman and Medieval times and that we still use today, the same but different: arcs, gates, walls and Bonifacius’ name forever in brick. All of this together creates the architectural image of a building that’s part of a century long tradition and that will contribute to this tradition as well. Contributing something of our own time and culture to a never ending development. The children will thus be taken into the history of this location.
FARO has an integral approach towards sustainability and has booked increasing results on many fronts. The Bonifacius school also meets the needs of any contemporary building. The building is very compact and uses minimal energy. The interior is fresh and noise-free. The spaces are flexible and can be used by many different user groups. One request was to design a school that will function at least 75 years. The materials we used are all solid and durable and can easily stand the test of time. The users, the school team, the children and also the neighbors - all have been included in the realization of the design.