Vestsidan U-skole: A climate park with insect hotels and wind turbines

A looping path ties the area together

The outdoor areas are divided into five smaller areas; the rooftop garden, the schoolyard, the learning park, the square and the climate park. A looping path ties the area together, framing the park. A series of surfaces that can be used for different activities such as ball games, climbing or stage performance stretch across the area within the loop. In dry weather, the park can be used for skating and playing, while it holds back rainwater during cloudbursts. The climate park contains insect hotels and wind turbines.

Sloping terrain used for activities

At the upper level a gentle landscape leads down to the school’s main entrance. Towards Mauritz Hansens Gade, the asphalt surface starts lies flat before gently sloping down in an accessible path towards the school. Large hills of recycled rubber dominate the terrain along with light-grey concrete toe walls that also serve as benches. The rubber hills can be used for activities such as parkour, ensuring that the entire entrance area also serves as an activity zone for meetings and motion.

A schoolyard with a calm clearing and challenging terrain

The schoolyard is defined by two types of areas: a clearing/bowl at the same level as the entrance to the new gymnasium and challenging terrain towards the new sports area. The clearing consists of light, flowering trees and a large asphalt surface with room for play and ball games such as basketball and football, as well as large groups of pupils. The space can also be used as an informal stage. Benches as well as an informal amphitheatre are located in the surrounding terrain. One enters the parkour landscape and school’s main entrance via an in-situ concrete ramp system or, for those seeking a challenge, via climbing sculptures and the occasionally steep loop path.