Architecture Notes 建築筆記: Metzo College

Rotterdam, 29 January 2007 - Vocational school Metzo College, designed by Erick van Egeraat, has been honoured with the Dutch School Building Award 2006.
According to the jury, the co-operation between school and architect has resulted in "a building that is on many levels truly unique. The educational programme and the building have been designed in harmony. Through design, the school adds its own value to this. The building is a benchmark for and provides perspectives towards future developments within the educational system as well as future social developments."
Metzo College was previously spread across three different locations. The new building houses 1.300 pupils on a gross floor area of 16.000 m2. The school is based in Doetinchem, The Netherlands.

Erick van Egeraat's new pyramid-shaped school completed
Rotterdam, 22 January 2007 - (EEA) Erick van Egeraat associated architects completed a new educational building for Metzo College in Doetinchem, The Netherlands. Erick van Egeraat's design facilitates the school's innovative approach to vocational education. The building's compact design maximises flexibility and enables efficient use of space.
The complex is characterised by its pyramid shape and hanging roof garden in the central void. The roof garden offers a domain for quiet retreat and reflection. In contrast, the patio below the garden is an arena for bustling interaction, allowing everyone to see and to be seen. Together, the patio and the roof garden form the social heart of the building.
A partition-free layout with few walls reflects the school's philosophy of openness and transparency. Most rooms are multifunctional and can be 'redefined' according to meet all current needs.
Each department has its own identifiable domain, but no department is secluded from the others. Individuality and togetherness, unity and diversity can co-exist under one roof.
The building also includes a gym, which is designed as a black-box with no daylight requirements. The gym is publicly accessible outside school hours.
The design of the building allows the school to correspond with the public in different ways. Its compact shape and earthly façade make it a discreet landmark that smoothly blends in the surrounding green space. Its versatility and openness make the building a valuable addition to the community of Doetinchem.