Akropolis
The school complex on Frohheimhügel is a highly visible and distinctive part of Olten’s cityscape. A planning selection process recently focussed on the complete renovation of the 1938 extension, which is listed as a «Masterpiece of New Building» in the Federal Inventory of Sites of National Importance worthy of protection. The team led by MET Architects, Basel, was awarded the contract for the «Akropolis» project. The designers’ self-image as «advocates of the monument» characterised their approach to the existing building in the sense of continuity. New elements should be designed in such a way that they fit seamlessly into the existing building, strengthen the architectural character and further develop the atmospheric expression for contemporary teaching. The structural design by LÜCHINGER MEYER PARTNER also followed this premise, achieving the earthquake-proofing of the building with restrained interventions.
«The proposed measures pursue the goal of honouring the design intentions of the monument and gently translating them into a contemporary expression. This goal is achieved in a convincing manner.» the jury concludes in honour of the project.
We particularly like the upgrading of the corridor into a learning and meeting zone. In future, pupils should find a place here to research, investigate, present and discuss, but also to relax, chat, snack and daydream, as the design suggests. We’d like to be schoolchildren again.
(Visualisation: MET Architects)
