The Bonhoeffer College in Enschede is undergoing a transformative renovation that preserves its historic façade while creating a modern, 21st-century learning environment. This transformation honors the past while embracing the future. The sustainable renovation is essential, as the current building is both technically and functionally outdated. The proposal aligns with the school’s mission: "Give attention, grow into who you are, and enjoy the expedition."
Modernizing for future needs
The renovation strengthens the connection between the building's different sections by removing inefficient spaces and adding new ones that better align with current educational requirements. The original design, which alternates large brick volumes with lower, transparent spaces, will be restored. Furthermore, the school will once again be set within a green environment, just as it was in 1958. This ensures that the Bonhoeffer College retains its familiar appearance for students, teachers, and the surrounding community.
Influences from the Bossche School are key to the Bonhoeffer College’s design, and this legacy will remain intact. Sustainability is a priority, demanding meticulous attention to detail. Features like deeper window reveals, the preservation of the original window layout, and the reintroduction of pivoting windows all contribute to maintaining the building’s unique character. Additionally, the original color palette will be restored, reinforcing the building’s historical identity.
A human-centered design
Designed to accommodate up to 1,600 students, the renovated Bonhoeffer College provides a healthy, comfortable environment for both students and teachers. Natural light, green spaces, and acoustics are thoughtfully integrated, fostering an inspiring and community-driven atmosphere. “Soft values” are embedded in the design, making the building not just a functional space, but a place that encourages identification and well-being.
Beyond offering a healthy indoor climate, the design ensures that both students and teachers can navigate the building intuitively. Like the exterior, the interior is clearly laid out with each cluster of rooms having its own distinct identity. Well-designed circulation paths and sightlines lead people to spaces that encourage interaction or serve specialized functions. A choreographed route connects the various sections of the building, balancing moments of quiet with more dynamic spaces.
An inspiring educational environment
The new design offers a wide variety of spaces for focused individual work and collaborative learning. The building enhances a sense of pride and community, with special features like a gallery, performance stage, and teaching kitchen. These are placed in transparent transitional zones, allowing neighborhood residents to view and interact with the school’s activities, further strengthening community ties.
