PTS Mechelen

Large concrete stepping stones, of industrial origin, characterize the landscape design. Rather than a perfectly edged landscaping, the goal is a natural whole where paving and greenery blend together.

The playground, flanked by the orchard and the new school building, fans out into the green in the back. Together with the canopy, the central flower meadow organizes the open playground into different zones. This creates space for sports and games, but equally for more quiet moments on one of the cozy benches or among the wildflowers and grasses surrounding the playground.

In addition, there is a more withdrawn covered area in the school building. This area houses the direct entrances to the restrooms, refectory and reception area with connecting staircase. The new school building fits in as a capstone in the existing school fabric. At the front, the cornice connects nicely with building “I” by Lava architects. At the end finished façade, a small stagger provides a clean connection to the new school building De Baan on the back side.

The facade design came about from the question of how to achieve a harmonious connection with the rather austere and light building “I” by Lava-architects on the one hand, and the impressive more massive brick building by Jan Lauwers in the 1930 New Objectivity style on the other. For the beam-shaped expression of this technical school, we also drew inspiration from Peter Behrens, known for his industrial architecture for housing technical facilities.
The result is a contemporary interpretation of both: Durable industrial material choices and horizontal lines complementary to Block “I” are complemented by some fine color implementations with a subtle reference to Jan Lauwers’ beautifully restored school building.