School near Lausanne by GNWA

A public square stands at the centre of Bussigny’s new school complex, which was designed by GNWA. It encompasses a primary school, a nursery and a gymnasium; moreover, it also serves as a meeting place for the community of 10 000. 

An ensemble on several levels

Bussigny lies about 7 km northwest of Lausanne in the Swiss canton of Vaud. For their design of the school complex, the Zurich studio GNWA looked to the local topography. They developed three separate volumes over several levels: the centrally positioned three-storey school, a smaller nursery to the south and a two-storey gym. Park-like greenery and outdoor spaces are all around. 

A community-oriented centre

The individual components of this educational ensemble are connected via broad exterior stairways, paths and a communal square that the planning team describes as an “agora”. This plaza functions not only as a generous recess yard for the pupils, but can also be enjoyed by the residents of Bussigny. Indeed, some of the rooms can be used by locals as well. The entrances to each tract are located in the corners, where each respective building opens up in the form of colonnades leading to the yard and creates sheltered reception areas. 

Loosening with colour

All three structures are built of concrete. The regular grid of the prefabricated facade elements gives the views of the ensemble a sleek, uniform character. Each building is characterized by a different shade; the architects chose delicate pastels of pink, green and grey. 

This concept has been carried through the entire project: the window frames and blinds appear in the same colours as the pigmented concrete surfaces. Even in the simple interiors of the school complex, the subtle colour scheme continues, creating soft accents combined with exposed concrete and functional flooring.