Graafschap College, a regional training centre (ROC) with 700 pupils, is situated on the outskirts of the centre of Doetinchem between a ring road and a residential district. In urban planning terms, the college effects a transition between two scale levels.
Graafschap College is located next to Metzo College, which has a striking form as an unassailable object set in a green space. By making use of the landscape, Atelier PRO has linked this with Metzo College, an approach that enables Graafschap College and Metzo College to reinforce each other. The rolling green landscape extends over Graafschap College, with large gaps in the grassy hills for light and view. The grassy mound houses functions such as the theory classrooms, the main hall, and the companies where the pupils learn as they work. These areas can be divided up flexibly. They are arranged on either side of a central corridor. Various staircases connect the floors. The patios confer an extra dimension on the central corridor through the abundance of daylight and the view into the patio’s. The grass mounds are situated between this end and Metzo College. The ROC presents itself with the high building facing the Energieweg. This is where the restaurant, sports accommodation and other facilities are located. The restaurant, kitchen, bakery and hairdressing salon are clearly indicated on the façade and combine with the main entrance to give character to the street on the side of the housing.
