A RURAL UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL OFFERS BOTH STREET CREDIBILITY AND DOMESTICITY

摘要

One of the most refreshing examples of new schools in Finland is located in the rural municipality of Sipoo, east of Helsinki. The building was the result of an architectural competition, as is customary in Finland for public constructions, even if they are relatively small in size. With this project, K2S demonstrate that it wasn't just a stroke of luck that saw them win the competition to design the roof structure for Helsinki's Olympic Stadium.rnAlong the street side the building's visual impact is somewhat restrained. The promise of something new is mainly satisfied with the curved glazed surfaces of the small recess at the entrance and the trees planted in the adjacent small square. A bigger surprise, however, is revealed when approaching the rear of the building: the whole courtyard facade looks like a pleated skirt, an inviting embrace in curved glass. Since most of the students come to school by bicycle or car, the vehicular entryway at the rear is in fact a second main entrance. Both entrances lead into a central space that partially opens up towards the sky, conveying a sense of outward transparency. This central space contains a second surprise: an open spiral staircase showing off its concrete structure, crowned with a dome and circular skylight.