Clay School, Berlin

The music-focused Clayschule is one of three pilot schools in Berlin that are to explore new spatial-didactic concepts and sustainable building solutions. The building supports the innovative school concept through a combination of clearly allocated areas and flexible spaces, allowing it to stay adaptive in the future. In a heterogenous environment consisting of commercial zones and dense residential areas the school asserts itself as a strong solitaire. Three generous courtyards are cut into the building volume, structuring it and supplying natural light. The school´s communal areas, such as the auditorium, the cafeteria, the full-time areas and the specialized classrooms are located on the ground-level. An interior school street connects all of the communal spaces and glazed staircases guide the students to the learning clusters on the upper level. The different areas are ordered and related to one another through learning terraces. They are organized according to the different age groups and accompany the students throughout their entire academic path.
Ribbon glazing set deep in the brick facade reflects the inner functions. The incised terraces and courtyards have a simple post-and-beam facade made of wood and glass that characterizes the learning spaces. All materials are distinguished by their robustness, durability and small need of maintenance.