Open space

A fire station is primarily a highly functional building that must ensure intuitive and conflict-free operational and work processes. The outdoor facilities are therefore largely occupied by parking areas and turning circles.
Open space with green areas and recreational facilities is therefore provided on the first floor. A surrounding terrace band, facing the inner courtyard, creates a green setting that is also visible from the courtyard, thus creating a pleasant atmosphere on both levels. The eastern terrace, above the vehicle hall, offers various recreational options in addition to greenery.
The terraces on the south and west sides are slightly narrower, but can also be accessed via the building.
The uppermost roof areas are constructed as retention roofs with extensive greenery in combination with photovoltaics. This is an important component in terms of rainwater management, as the courtyard areas are equipped with heavy-duty surfaces that are not expected to allow infiltration.
In the inner courtyard, there is a central area that remains free of access roads and turning circles. This will be a green island with large trees. The use of tree trenches could be useful here. In addition, the north façade of the west wing will be covered with ground-based façade greening. The parking space for repair vehicles will be located north of this façade. A permeable construction method may be conceivable here.

The fire station shares the access area and emergency exit with the BonnOrgange access area.
The parking deck of the regional waste disposal company will also be accessed via this entrance. The remaining space will be used to accommodate the necessary visitor parking spaces and bicycle parking spaces.

When selecting materials, CO2-neutral production, the use of regional building materials and recyclability, etc. must be taken into account.
In terms of colour, lighter but non-glare shades are to be preferred, as these absorb less radiant heat, which would otherwise be released back into the ambient air by dark surfaces.

The trees along the western boundary of the property will be preserved as far as possible. For the benefit of the neighbouring buildings, the green strip will be sensibly supplemented and densified after the construction work. When selecting trees and shrubs, care must be taken to ensure that they are resistant to the changed conditions at the site, such as extreme summer temperatures, periods of drought, heavy rainfall, etc. In addition, care must be taken to provide nutrient-rich trees and shrubs within the planting areas, as well as nesting and breeding opportunities to promote biodiversity.

Arrival

The new school day begins on the forecourt at the junction between the existing building and the new special education centre. Overshadowed by a group of multi-stemmed, generously underplanted sweetgum trees with benches floating around them, the entrance plaza serves as both a passageway and a lounge area. Here, somewhat shielded behind the group of trees, are the bicycle parking spaces located near the entrance.

School landscape

We see the open space directly adjacent to the break hall as a school landscape that meets the space requirements of the room programme and is as green as possible. It is partially covered by large-crowned trees of the future and structured by lowered grass and shrub areas under the tree crowns, which, in addition to their insect-friendly abundance of flowers, also serve as retention and drainage areas. The central playground is paved with permeable concrete paving stones with partially linear lawn joints. The green classroom in the south-east, partially enclosed by low planting and directly adjacent to the school garden, offers space for outdoor learning away from the hustle and bustle of the playground. A mixed hedge of bird-friendly shrubs forms the boundary and transition to the agricultural landscape in the south. Where there is no need for playable and accessible lawns, sparse, two-cut meadows contribute to biodiversity. The southern area of the schoolyard is designed as an exercise landscape with a small playing field, a climbing wall and other exercise facilities.

Protected open space for the children’s house

The outdoor area of the children’s house is designed as a gently modelled play and adventure world, which, in addition to age-appropriate play equipment and sufficient paved areas, leaves room for nature-oriented play in the peripheral areas. Deciduous trees with rather sparse crowns ensure a pleasant climate all year round – plenty of sun when the trees are bare, sufficient shade in summer.

The edges of the peripheral areas are planted with edible and useful plants such as strawberries and blueberries, mint and lemon balm, as well as hazelnut bushes, which are robust enough for intensive use and also vividly integrate the seasonal changes into the educational concept.

Water management and biodiversity

In addition to meeting the requirements of the exercise, learning and play landscape, the outdoor facilities also fulfil the basic functions of a resilient and sustainable built environment. These include a maximum of structurally rich vegetation areas, water-permeable surface pavements and a rainwater management system as a recirculation system. The roof surfaces of the school building are designed as retention roofs. (18 cm substrate on the roofs (even with possible solar use), with retention boxes with a capillary wick system for optimal precipitation retention and evaporation). The substrate layer, in conjunction with the retention boxes, stores rainwater and makes it available to the plants. In the earth-bound vegetation areas, the rainwater is fed to the planting areas or tree trenches through the formation of the topography and is also collected in cisterns for service water use.

In addition to aesthetic considerations, all plantings are designed to make a valuable contribution to biodiversity. A targeted selection of different substrates in the peripheral areas creates a mosaic of ecologically valuable sites, which develops into particularly species-rich plant communities through the sowing of native wild herb seeds.

Exercise landscape
On the roof of the gym, the school landscape becomes an exercise landscape – from various calisthenics and obstacle course activities to floor trampolines, there is everything you need to combine sport and fun. Of course, there is also space for spectators: long benches where people can sit together on the backrest and more intimate seating shells for two form the ‘grandstand’ for the action on the roof. The areas are framed by drought-resistant grasses and shrubs. They are positioned so that loads are distributed as efficiently as possible at the edges.
A wide, green staircase with integrated seating steps leads to the streetball court and the boulder sculpture on the ground floor level.

Water management and biodiversity
In addition to meeting the requirements of the exercise and learning landscape, the outdoor facilities also fulfil fundamental functions of resilient and sustainable area development. These include a maximum of structurally rich vegetation areas, water-permeable surface pavements and rainwater management as a recirculation system. The roof areas of the school building are designed as retention roofs. (18 cm substrate on the solar roofs, up to 50 cm on the first floor and in the school garden area, with retention boxes with a capillary wick system for optimal precipitation retention and evaporation) The substrate layer, in conjunction with the retention boxes, stores rainwater and makes it available to the plants. In the earth-bound vegetation areas, the topography of the site allows rainwater to be fed into the planting areas and also collected in cisterns for service water use. During heavy rainfall events, excess rainwater is collected in trough infiltration systems (infiltration cascade) in the planting areas.
In addition to aesthetic considerations, all plantings are designed to make a valuable contribution to biodiversity. Through the targeted selection of different substrates, a mosaic of ecologically valuable sites is initiated, which develops into particularly species-rich plant communities through the sowing of native wild herb seeds.

Open space

The existing school grounds, nestled in the eastern residential area, are characterised by an open structure with several access points and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The new concept takes these positive features and integrates them into a modern, sustainable design.
The new design surrounds the triangular school building with dense, varied planting and forms a new, robust and lively playground. The organic shapes of the planting areas not only create an exciting relationship with the school building, but also internal, protected areas. The plantings open up specifically at the main entrances – the entrance via the street ‘Am Felde’ and the side entrance via ‘Bokensdorfer Weg’ – thus creating inviting entrance areas.
The schoolyard develops from the existing structures of the outdoor facilities and the new extension into a coherent outdoor space that wraps around the building. It thus develops from an extensive play area in the west of the building to a natural quiet area in the east. The break area to the west of the building is characterised by opportunities for romping, digging and playing. Here, the children are offered various opportunities for physical activity, such as a large climbing sculpture, basketball hoop, table tennis tables and additional areas for free play. The existing outdoor classroom is also integrated here and provided in a quieter, green, shaded area, which is combined with a sound garden.
Towards the east, the schoolyard develops into a shady retreat. Here there is another green classroom and green niches and areas for gardening. The furniture throughout the school grounds invites children to spend time in different ways. This allows groups of pupils to gather, interact and move around everywhere. The green spaces are designed to become denser and higher towards the edges, reducing visibility into the school grounds. The varied and site-appropriate planting areas promote ecological learning processes and sensitise pupils to environmental issues. Additional green islands respond to climatic challenges. The open space thus not only meets the requirements of a modern schoolyard, but also promotes a conscious engagement with nature and sustainability.
In the area of the northern main access, a sufficient number of bicycle racks will be retained. Access to the waste disposal area and the small boiler house will be integrated.

Internal and external access, spatial organisation
The new building has a central access system that connects all functional areas via short routes. The communicative heart of the building – a spacious interior with open communication zones – facilitates orientation and promotes interdisciplinary exchange. All essential vertical access elements, such as emergency staircases, technical shafts and sanitary areas, are grouped around this core on all levels. In addition to general functions and central seminar rooms, the differentiated inner courtyard with its projections and recesses and the adjacent terrace areas form the green centre of the building. On the ground floor, the exhibition area, seminar zones and functional rooms such as practical training areas, an electrical workshop and computer pools are located around this courtyard.
In addition to the emergency staircases, the upper floors are accessed via a continuous gallery-like staircase that leads directly to the communication centre. Changing seminar zones, terraces and open communication areas on all levels invite informal exchange. The staggered arrangement within the floor plans creates an exciting inner courtyard that structures and enlivens the building ensemble as a connecting element. Laboratories, evaluation areas and flexible office spaces are organised logically and according to use within the floors and are optimally connected to the access routes.
The overall result is a finely balanced spatial structure with a central communicative heart and quiet, decentralised work areas – a structure that promotes both exchange and concentrated work.
In the interests of ecological sustainability, the roof area is extensively greened with native grasses and shrubs to promote biodiversity. In addition, employees have access to another roof terrace as a recreation area with a view over the campus. A large-scale photovoltaic system is also planned to supply the building with its own electricity, making a significant contribution to its energy efficiency.

Architecture, construction and materials
The building is designed as an optimised hybrid construction in which materials are used specifically where they make functional, economic and ecological sense. The choice of materials is based on the resource-saving concept of recycling, which is to be effective throughout the entire life cycle. The primary structure will be constructed as a material-efficient reinforced concrete skeleton using semi-prefabricated elements. The use of recycled concrete is planned or being examined where it is structurally and economically feasible. The clear and consistent structural design allows the use of prefabricated building elements and enables a robust, economical construction method and an optimised construction process. The basement, stairwell cores, point-supported ceilings and fire protection components are constructed using solid construction methods. The building is reinforced by the central access and technical cores.
The façade elements are planned to be highly thermally insulated, prefabricated timber constructions with vertically structured timber cladding. The vertical sword structure in the area of the window bands serves to accommodate the integrated photovoltaic elements and at the same time structures the façade appearance. The horizontally arranged PV modules also serve as structural sun protection and integrate the necessary fire protection.
The static system – combined with a high degree of prefabrication – forms the basis for an economical, time-efficient and durable construction method. The laboratory grid is defined as 1.20 m. This results in construction grids of 3.60 m, 7.20 m and 10.80 m. Wide-span ceilings are supported by joists. The window division follows the expansion grid and allows flexible connection of mobile partition walls for variable room structuring.
The interiors are characterised by a clear material aesthetic: light-coloured wall surfaces, wooden surfaces and glass create a high-quality, light-flooded room climate. In combination with coordinated floor coverings and a differentiated colour and material concept, rooms are created that are equally suitable for concentrated individual work and open teamwork.

Open space
The site is accessed via a shared entrance from the north. A second entrance is provided from the south-west, via the entrance to the residential area to the south. The required parking spaces are still located here, but have been rearranged. The shared sports fields are located in the southern green belt, as are the ‘green classrooms’, and surround the schoolyards. Taking into account the need for maximum flexibility in the use of the schoolyard areas, green islands and tree plantings are also planned here to enhance the quality of the environment and improve the microclimate. The outdoor classrooms of both schools are also embedded in the green setting. Here, too, the topography is utilised and made visible with seating edges. Despite the sloping location, areas have been created that are available for rainwater retention. Lighter, but non-glare colours were chosen for the surfaces, as these absorb less radiant heat.

Open space backbone and neighbourhood structure

The new neighbourhood will be accessed via a central open space backbone, which the individual building plots will be based on and from which they will receive their addresses. This open space, as an ‘urban green space’, forms an attractive inner green corridor and connects all areas of the neighbourhood, promoting identification and community within the new urban neighbourhood.

This creates a high quality of living throughout the entire interior area with communal spaces for playing, meeting and spending time. Recesses and widenings create different spatial situations and give rise to an exciting internal structure.

The ‘green common’ functions as a communicative communal open space with play and recreation areas for all generations.
Partially shaded by a mixed canopy of climate-resilient tree species, the green space integrates meeting places, outdoor fitness facilities and play areas. A subtle relief with hollows absorbs some of the surface and roof water and, in addition to the changing image of dry and temporarily wet areas, creates a mosaic of different location factors that promise a highly diverse species composition.

Green joints divide the new residential quarter into clearly legible individual building plots and provide clear orientation and address formation. At the same time, they make the quarter permeable, enable a variety of crossings and ensure connection to the existing cycle and footpath networks.

Development concept

The concept envisages building plots with open courtyard structures that can be developed in sections as independent neighbourhood areas. They form a robust urban framework for a mixed-use urban neighbourhood, with a coexistence of residential, working and commercial uses. Flexible development for multi-storey residential buildings, townhouses or houses-within-houses with different living and working models will be created on various individual plots.

The building plots will be developed with individual detached houses, contributing to a lively, small-scale neighbourhood image. The result will be a flexible mix of different typologies for subsidised and privately financed housing.

Small ground-floor commercial units, communal areas and living+working spaces face the ‘urban green space’ and enliven the public space. The impetus provided by the building groups is being used here to strengthen the character of the neighbourhood with its mixed working and living models.

The residential courtyards support the idea of communal living, with play areas and places for communication. As green inner courtyards, they contribute to well-being and function as green oases with a high quality of living. Green living areas, residential gardens with large trees and self-sufficient gardens on the roofs form further communal areas within the building groups.

This clear and robust framework creates the conditions for small-scale construction development with a maximum of individual freedom. A few typological specifications will create the basic structure for a new urban quarter – integrated into the urban space and flexible for new living concepts.

Central square as a calling card

At the intersection of the path axes, the neighbourhood square is created, which can serve as a hub for urban life. It forms the heart of the new neighbourhood and serves as a place of communication between the residents of the adjacent districts and the new neighbourhood. Here there are play and communication areas for all age groups and open-use areas for community events. A small fountain forms a central and invigorating element on the square.

The central neighbourhood house is being built directly on the square, symbolising the architectural centre as a solitary landmark. It will house cultural and commercial uses, co-working and innovative office space for start-ups. A gallery café enlivens the public space and acts as an urban magnet.

Adjacent to this is the neighbourhood centre with a daycare centre and a multi-generational house above it. The neighbourhood meeting place and community shop will enliven the striking corner of the northern construction site. Above these are special types of housing for senior citizens with various care services.

Climate protection and climate adaptation

All trees worth preserving will be retained and supplemented with new tree plantings. The current and future tree population can thus continue to serve as a source of fresh and cool air. The open construction method provides bioclimatic relief and improves ventilation conditions.

Within the neighbourhoods, too, generous tree planting in squares and residential streets will provide sufficient shade and thus contribute to improving the microclimate. The greening of inner courtyards, extensive façade greening and the greening of roof areas will ensure maximum cooling and evaporation effects.