SUSTAINABILITY
The new building is completely gas-free and energy-neutral. During construction, sustainable materials were used wherever possible. A good example of this is the wooden façade with a steel structure; materials that are easy to recycle. In addition, Leonardo College commissioned Ector Hoogstad Architects to create a school that is flexible in use. The architect designed the new building in such a way that the college can easily make adjustments in the future, by simply moving walls without any major construction work, for example.
MODULAR FURNITURE
A collaboration between Studio Moj and Gispen also brought flexibility to the interiors of the auditorium, student areas, lecture halls, teachers' lounge and terrace. Ewout Torreman, account manager at Gispen: 'We mainly used modular furniture for this project, keeping circularity and sustainability in mind. The various components can easily be adapted and rearranged; either in form, size or function.'
DIFFERENT LEARNING NEEDS
The various learning needs of the students was the main starting point for the interior design. What do they need to complete their training in the best possible way? Ewout: 'The learning pattern is divided into four activities: instruction, processing, skills and in-depth learning. The instruction is the same for every student, and can be provided to all students simultaneously. We equipped the various study areas and classrooms with 800 student desk sets and 30 teacher's desks from sister company Presikhaaf.'
ADAPTABLE BUILDING BLOCKS
Processing instructions and honing skills is done in small groups of students on the various floors. Ewout: 'This independent and project-based learning occurs in the open spaces around the classrooms and the media library. This is where the concept of 'building blocks' is applied, with dividers in the form of Gispen CIMO planters and acoustic screens. A diverse selection of furniture supports group work: high round Gispen TEAM tables and Picnic tables for informal discussions and more private group work: Gispen JUNA coach seats and wall benches by Havee and Gispen TEAM tables with optional dividing screens. This mix of workstations supports every learning requirement.'
KEEPING IN MOTION
Gispen not only supplied the educational furniture, it also furnished the auditorium, the teachers' lounge and the terrace; keeping true to the design of Studio Moj. Ewout: 'The guiding principle for each space was flexibility. Providing education, developing teaching programmes and supporting these programmes is and will continue to be a priority for Leonardo College. Gispen supports this approach with modular furniture that can be adapted to new needs at any time. Sustainability really has multiple facets in this project. It is great that we were able to contribute to this with our creativity and products. And it's wonderful that Leonardo College appreciates the price-quality ratio. Sustainable quality does not have to be expensive.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE RESULT?
Client Evelien Ruiter: 'The final 15% of the project caused some headaches. Murphy's law seemed to apply to this final stage. Fortunately, however, we were able to welcome all our students, teachers and support staff at the start of the new school year. Gispen has shown that it responds well to unexpected situations. By supplying temporary furniture, for example.
The result was surprising to everyone. All the furniture, upholstery and colours suited our new building so well. The 'wow' effect on the first day of school was huge.'
Photography: Claartje ten Have, Studio Moj
