The campus of the Karol Adler Secondary Technical School in the Bratislava district of Dúbravka has undergone a comprehensive revitalization aimed at transforming a neglected school property into a fully functional, attractive, and vibrant public space. The project was based on the goal of making the campus accessible not only to the students but also to the wider community – local residents, children, and young people from the surrounding area – and creating an inclusive place that supports physical activity, relaxation, and informal social interaction.
Design considerations
At the heart of the transformation is a new four-lane tartan running track with a 90 x 45 m football pitch equipped with pole lighting, along with facilities for sports activities. The supporting infrastructure consists of four repurposed shipping containers – the striking yellow one by the running track functions as a snack bar with storage space for sports equipment and also serves as the structural support for the roof of the adjacent tribune.
The yellow accent is echoed in the football team benches, the BSK logos, and the climbing wall grips, creating a cohesive visual identity across the entire campus. The remaining facilities are housed in a composition of three anthracite-colored containers placed on a circular yellow EPDM surface, providing storage, changing rooms, and public toilets.
This area also features a workout zone with a climbing wall and outdoor furniture for seating and relaxation. In addition to these, the campus includes a long jump pit (near the tribune), a shot put area, tennis courts, a multifunctional sports field, and more.
The project also included the renewal and extension of the internal pathway network – new paved surfaces, walkways, and barrier-free ramps ensure easy movement throughout the campus. Emphasis was placed on using durable and sustainable materials, as well as on greenery and rainwater management. Landscaping involved planting new trees, perennial flowerbeds, and expanding grassy areas.
Repurposing and modularity
The project focused on selecting local companies that offer certified products with a low carbon footprint. A key strategy for embodied carbon reduction involved the refurbishment and reuse of shipping container structures for new purposes. After reconstruction in the supplier's workshop, the containers were imported and installed on the construction site.
As an ecological solution, demolished concrete rubble was crushed and used in structures and communications. Suitable excavated soil and aggregate were used to stabilize and balance the ground plan. Waste bins are made of steel and pine wood slats, benches are made of durable and vandal-proof materials, and low pillar lights are custom-made to ensure vandal-proof quality and durability.
Contextual integration
Since the area is located near apartment buildings, a protocol was prepared to measure the disturbing light in the surroundings. Existing greenery was taken into account during the design process, and 23 new trees were also planted on the property. The football pitch is equipped with pole lighting.
Reuse and flexibility
Adaptive reuse was a core consideration. The project team originally worked on the design of two sports complexes simultaneously to verify the adaptability and variability of the selected solution. The shipping container structure was chosen as a basic unit that can be added to or removed at any time or modified to suit the user's needs. The container units are multifunctional; the main yellow unit functions as a grandstand, storage, and space for employees, while other grey container units function as dressing rooms, showers, storage, and separate toilets for athletes and the public.
After a comprehensive transformation, the ADLERKA campus now serves as a facility for school sports during teaching hours and becomes a safe, lively public space for all age groups in the afternoons and on weekends.
