Project Description
In Lorch, Germany, a small city in Baden-Württemberg, Behnisch Architekten has developed a school and sports center over the past 30 years. Originally completed in 1976 by Behnisch & Partner — the firm led by Günter Behnisch and Stefan Behnisch — the three school buildings and a three-field sports hall are subtly integrated into the surrounding landscape. The city of Lorch recognized the architectural value of the site and decided to bring Behnisch Architekten, under the leadership of Stefan Behnisch, to cautiously refurbish the separate elements of the building.
Instead of an architectural transformation of the existing building, the aim was to improve it from an economic point of view, regarding contemporary security needs and energy-efficiency measures. The usable area on the entrance level that includes an auditorium space has been extended to meet contemporary standards and specifications. To do this, the façade line was moved backwards, towards the hall level’s rear wall.
The new entrance to the hall is a generous foyer with a broad staircase that leads downstairs to the hall level. Additional space for visitors has been created, which serve as hospitality areas with a detached room and a separate delivery access. A central, adequately sized janitor’s room is also be placed on the entrance floor.
The distance between the existing shower facilities enabled a reorganization of the hall level floor plan. The broad staircase leads visitors into a generous hallway, which connects the sports hall to the locker rooms and – due to its widening in the access areas – allows for a greater freedom of movement. Additional storage space is provided via an additional store room. The six former locker rooms are reduced to four, two each being connected to one sanitary block. All sanitary facilities have been renewed, including a visitor’s lavatory equipped with amenities for guests with disabilities, as well as teacher’s bathrooms and locker rooms. Existing pillar-shaped showers were replaced by separate showers, which are arranged alongside the walls.