The modernisation of the Müllheim commercial schools combines the forward-looking design quality of the 21st century with the unique charm of the old 1960s building. Located in the heart of the Markgräflerland region, between Freiburg and Basel, the industrial and commercial schools of the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district were merged. As part of the reorganisation, the future joint building of the schools was restructured in its room layout and extensively renovated.
It was important to all those involved to emphasise the quality of the existing building and to present it in a new light.
The relocation of the Müllheim commercial school created space for a comprehensive reorganisation of the commercial school complex. The focus was on refurbishing and modernising the interior, while windows and exterior doors were only replaced selectively and depending on use. Flowing transitions between the interior and exterior - for example, through floor-to-ceiling windows that connect the original façade with the new rooms - emphasise the character of the building and create a harmonious connection between the existing and the modern.
As part of the refurbishment, the building was comprehensively adapted to modern teaching and learning concepts. New specialist classrooms for chemistry, biology and physics as well as a caretaker's workshop and technology rooms were created in the basement. These rooms offer pupils modern equipment that meets the requirements of modern science education. On the ground floor, the existing rooms for general lessons have been reorganised and modernised. Particularly noteworthy is the new teaching kitchen, which has been specially equipped for educational purposes, as well as the new student café with adjoining kiosk. This area is separated from the break hall by a mobile partition wall, which can be converted into an event room if required. This flexible use offers pupils a wide range of options for organising breaks and school events.
The upper floor will house the school administration and the teachers' room. In addition to new meeting, conference and examination rooms, which can be used flexibly thanks to mobile partition walls, modern work and recreation areas for the teaching staff will be created here. By breaking up the floor plans and removing many of the existing walls, it was possible to create open and light-flooded areas that promote communication and collaboration in everyday school life. The classrooms were brought up to date in terms of ventilation, lighting, acoustics and technical equipment to ensure an optimal learning environment.
Particular emphasis was placed on the accessibility of the building. Step-free entrances and a renovated lift ensure unrestricted access to all floors. At the same time, the open design of the spaces strengthens the relationship between inside and outside by harmoniously linking the rooms. A well thought-out colour and material concept, which has been implemented throughout the building, not only creates a pleasant atmosphere, but also ensures identification and orientation.
Our aim was to create spaces that adapt to the needs of the users - whether in class or during the break.
The open-plan design of the teaching staff areas not only creates space, but also a new way of working together and exchanging ideas.
