schulz und schulz
Einfeldsporthalle Franz-Mehring-Schule Leipzig
best architects 13 in Gold
public buildings
Place
Leipzig
Studio
Photos
Werner Huthmacher
Description
Precision design means were applied to replace the worn gym of the Franz Mehring School in Leipzig, not worthy of rehabilitation, with a new facility, made possible through funding provided by the Economic Stimulus Package II. The result is a very compact structure that formulates a new, high-energy point of identification for the school. At the heart of the gym is a central gallery that acts as a functional partition staging sight lines and communication. A skylight over the entire length of the gym lets soft, bright daylight flood down into the gallery and gym. The green metal cladding of the exterior stands in sharp contrast to the white interior, while also generating a special tonal interplay with the tall old-growth trees. A large undercut in the building volume indicates the location of the entrance. In this transition zone from outdoors to indoors, the overhang creates a sheltered area offering space for communication.