The design for the new Metzo College facilitates the school’s innovative approach to vocational education. The building’s compact design maximises flexibility, allows for a relatively small facade surface and enables an efficient use of space. The complex is characterised by its pyramid shape and hanging roof garden in the central void. The roof garden offers a domain for quiet retreat and reflection. In contrast, the patio below the garden is an arena for bustling interaction, allowing everyone to see and to be seen. Together, the patio and the roof garden form the social heart of the building. A partition-free layout with few walls reflects the school’s philosophy of openness and transparency. Most rooms are multifunctional and can be redefined accordingly to meet current needs. Each department has its own identifiable domain, but no department is secluded from the others. Individuality and togetherness, unity and diversity can co-exist under one roof. The building also includes a gym, which is designed as a black-box with no daylight requirements. The gym is publicly accessible outside school hours. The design of the building allows the school to correspond with the public in different ways. Its compact shape and earthly facade make it a discreet landmark that smoothly blends in the surrounding green space. Its versatility and openness make the building a valuable addition to the community of Doetinchem.
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