Konrad Lorenz Gymnasium Gänserndorf
Here everything revolves around the center: The central staircase area is not only visually striking, it also serves as the connecting hub of all levels—a place that offers space to breathe, move, and dream.
Of the former 1970s corridor-type school, the southern entrance wing and the northern section with the sports halls were preserved and completely renovated. The existing building in between, previously filled with single-story classrooms and small courtyards, was removed and entirely restructured. In its place is now a large new volume with three recessed courtyards. The classrooms are organized into rather schematic clusters, accessed via circulation spaces running through the middle, which expand into open learning zones at each end.
The south-facing main entrance leads into a light-filled atrium with a wall of green plants. This area houses the school administrative offices, including a teachers’ room with workstations, meeting and break rooms, a kitchen, and a dedicated outdoor area. As this was an existing school, teachers and students were able to contribute their needs and ideas to the planning process. Users praise the friendly and bright classrooms, as well as the generous available spaces and recreation areas.
A special feature of the facility is its natural slope, which made it possible to create a well-lit garden level below the entrance area, in which specialized classrooms and workshops are housed. This is also where the seating steps end, beneath which is an open movement zone with many opportunities for physical activity. According to the principal, this space is so popular that children often arrive at school early to play a round of foosball or ping pong, or to simply let off steam before classes begin on the floor above.
The skylit hall forms the bright and spacious heart of the school. The seating steps invite one to linger and observe; softly cushioned alcoves offer spots for lounging and relaxing. This is also where a multipurpose room with movable partitions is located. Within the clusters, additional spaces for movement and quiet breaks are available. Freely accessible climbing bars in the open break areas are especially popular among younger students, while the upper grades enjoy their own lounge furnished with hanging chairs and other cozy furniture. Glazed partitions between classrooms and the corridor create visual connections and support supervision. The seating niches in front of each classroom encourage informal gathering and conversation, a feature well-liked by the students. Between some classrooms, sliding walls allow flexible combinations, particularly useful for exams.
The northern existing building accommodates the noisier functions: music rooms, workshops (with dedicated terrace), rooms for art and design lessons, and two gymnasiums. The range of physical activities is enhanced by generous open spaces around the school building and access to the neighboring indoor swimming pool.
A well-considered color concept helps to maintain orientation within the extensive range of spaces. The sea-green tone that serves as the guiding color throughout the building is complemented by an additional color for each floor and a distinctive pattern for each cluster.
[ Konrad Lorenz Federal Academic Secondary Schools, Gänserndorf ] Architecture: Franz und Sue ZT GmbH. Client: BIG Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m. b. H., on behalf of the Ministry of Education. Structural engineering: Petz ZT GmbH. Landscape architecture: EGKK Landschaftsarchitektur. Architectural graphics, interior design collaboration: Visual Culture KG. Procurement procedure: Open, single-stage design competition with implementation. Planning and construction period: 2018–2022. Usable floor area: 8 098 m². Address: Gärtnergasse 5–7, 2230 Gänserndorf, Lower Austria.