The new Metzo College, located in Doetinchem, a city in the East of the Netherlands, houses a school for vocational education as well as public sport facilities. The new building replaces three existing school buildings. On a total gross floor area of 16.000 m2 the school accommodates 1.300 students between ages 12 to 16. The school offers a range of technical and theoretical courses, including health and welfare education.
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.
design 2002-2003, realisation 2004-2006
