Learning, Reimagined– The New Primary School in Bünningstedt

What does a school look like where collaboration, openness, and independence are second nature? To explore this question, Trapez set up a “Phase Zero” future workshop, bringing together teachers, students, parents, educators, and local authorities. Out of this dialogue, a shared vision emerged. Trapez then carried this vision forward through an intensive planning process, developing a spatial concept designed to enable truly innovative forms of learning.

That concept ultimately took form as a long, two-story main building paired with two compact “learning houses.” By eliminating corridors, the design transforms the entire school into a place of learning, filled with light, openness, and opportunities for exchange.

Generous, light-filled spaces open to the inside and outside alike. In place of conventional hallways, marketplace-style communal zones and a central learning hall form the heart of the school. Seating steps, cozy niches, and flexible furniture encourage varied uses and spontaneous encounters. The bright, welcoming foyer flows directly into a multifunctional space that serves as cafeteria, auditorium, and social hub all in one. A flexible music room adds another layer, shifting easily between classroom and stage.

Soft, calming colors, abundant daylight, open views, and tactile materials all contribute to a warm, positive environment that supports concentration and creativity. Children and adults alike feel at the center here. The school is not just a building but an invitation: to experience openness, diversity, and community—and to discover learning in new ways.