International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio

International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Interior PhotographyInternational School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Image 3 of 19International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Interior PhotographyInternational School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Interior Photography, Windows, FacadeInternational School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - More Images+ 14

Debrecen, Hungary
  • Head Architect: Peter Bordas
  • Architect Team: Anna Illes, Robert Gulyas, Andras Keki, Csilla Kracker, Emese Kulcsar, Tamas Mezey, Balazs Moser, Istvan Ulmann
  • Client: Municipality of Debrecen
  • General Design: BORD Architectural Studio
  • Coordinating Architect: Gyorgyi Puspoki, Kata Zih
  • Visualization: Zoltan Olbey, Homologue
  • Mock Up: Limes Model, GEZA Gri e Zucchi Architetti Associati
  • Capacity: 500 students
  • Years Of Design: 2017-2018
  • City: Debrecen
  • Country: Hungary
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Text description provided by the architects. Our concept for the International School of Debrecen was based on the form of a circle. This simple, yet symbolic shape traditionally means protection, union and community, while it softly blends into the neighbouring forest area of the Natura 2000 protected 'Nagyerdő'.

International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Image 10 of 19
© Gyorgy Palko
International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Image 3 of 19
© Gyorgy Palko

The site is located near Nagyerdő, the city park of Debrecen (the second largest city of Hungary), in a developing and popular residential area called ‘Pallag’. This calm, natural environment provides an excellent background for a school. However, it was a great challenge to design a contemporary building that fits into its green surroundings, while it represents the qualities of the International School with its characteristic, iconic and unique appearance. The key of the design concept was to create a shape, which goes far beyond its built borders and integrates in the natural environment.

International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Interior Photography
© Gyorgy Palko

A circle, with its simple shape is the symbol of spontaneously formed human groups without any differentiations. A cluster ofpeople who gather either for a discourse between equals or for paying attention to a single one of them. An area surrounded by a circle melts together groups or individuals. The circle with its primary simplicity symbolizes the union of space and community. It is also a symbol of the borders of existence, or in other words, of our created world.

International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Image 14 of 19
Ground floor plan

We considered the woods as an illustration of nature and science – the ultimate symbols of the whole world. In this way, the forest becomes part of the designed object and it is crucial for them to belong to the same circle. Applying the forest as this kind of illustration requires no changes in its inner structure or appearance. The organically changing pathways are from the essence of the forest and they live harmoniously together. Virtually integrating the surrounding natural area, our concept of the ring has been completed by the pathways that lead into the woods.

International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Interior Photography
© Gyorgy Palko

Throughout the 'gates' that open to the direction of the forest, nature becomes accessible for children and the pathways formed by them recreate their connection to nature time after time.

International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Chair, Windows
© Gyorgy Palko

The building accommodates different-sized groups and communities of about 500 students. They are from three different age groups with rather different needs, whose areas are all placed on the ring, but they are separated from each other. For the youngest children, we created a completely independent world inside the building. There are also two individual entrances: one for kindergarten and elementary school and another one for high school students. The latter one is considered as the main entrance of the complex. A whole area was separated for the sheer usage of kindergarten children and primary school students. Community areas, administration offices, an auditorium and a restaurant are positioned on the ground floor while the second, more quiet and tranquil floor is preserved for learning.

International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Image 17 of 19
Bioclimatic solutions

The pavilion-like classrooms are positioned creating longitudinal, dynamically pulsing spaces between them. This structure is continued outdoors, to the direction of the forest, following the circular line and creating garden areas as a transition between the built and natural habitat.

International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Interior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Gyorgy Palko

The volume of the building protects the outdoor community spaces and sports facilities. From the level of the classrooms, bridge-like structures lead to the basketball-court. Elevated from the ground, it provides visual connection to the football pitch. Half under the ground, the sports hall is covered by a concrete slab. On the ground floor, students are welcomed by an inner garden that is shaded with trees.

In front of the school, we created a drop off-pick up zone for parents to avoid parking when their kids arrive at or leave the school. Students then enter the protective atmosphere of the school through a short walk in a forest like park that tunes them for school. This green area embraces the school providing a genuine, peaceful environment.

International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Chair, Windows
© Gyorgy Palko

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Project location

Address:Debrecen, Pallag, 4014 Hungary

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "International School of Debrecen / BORD Architectural Studio" 03 Dec 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/929492/international-school-of-debrecen-bord-architectural-studio> ISSN 0719-8884

© Gyorgy Palko

德布勒森国际学校,平等的圆形校园 / BORD Architectural Studio

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