design: biro
project team: saša košuta, mario kralj, dora lončarić, hrvoje arbanas, anita elez
client: city of vukovar
location: vukovar
status: architectural competition
project year: 2018
The design project of the Vukovar Secondary School of Economics places great importance on the common areas since in the everyday use of the school it is precisely these areas where the most significant aspects of the students' life take place. Rational design and the use of economical materials have turned these carefully articulated areas for gathering, intergenerational learning and exchange of experience into a space with an exciting identity and spatial attributes.
The elongated building is positioned in parallel to the Vuk River and its embankment. With this position, the school takes part in the formation of the river's frontage, at the same time maximizing its orientation towards the south and its view of the river. This adds value to the potential of the promenade along the embankment, which connects various communal facilities with the city center. The southern part of the school lot would in this sense become an expansion of this promenade.
The elongated volume is divided into two poles: the "full house" with an open facade, which houses the school itself, and the "empty house" with a closed facade, where the sports hall is situated. The school structure is organized in two wings, with a central hallway transformed into a several-storey high central area with zenithal lighting. The central area rhythmically extends into niches, alternately to the north and south, which ensures additional lighting as well as views of the surroundings. The northern and southern hallways are connected via oversized "bridges" made of perforated sheet metal, letting through light and allowing views. Articulated in this way, the space encourages social, psychological and motor development, also offering a plethora of spatial sequences and an abundantly graphic interior.