New Elementary School and Kindergarten for Dolní Měcholupy

Authors: Václav Matějka, Eva Šarochová // "Four-leaf clover of buildings with a common heart" The design of the complex is based on the idea of 1 basic module and the gradual connection of other buildings of various functions. The layout is according to the links to the street parterre or nature. The base in the middle provides common facilities and entrances. The individual volumes define the boundaries and protect life inside. Minimalist facades enter into a dialogue with the surrounding buildings. The built-up area is being replaced by roof terraces, which can also be used to expand the school. The concept allows for any phasing.

According to the jury, the proposal presented the concept of a 21st-century school. It offers a high degree of variability and flexibility as well as a reserve for development. The jury appreciates the architectural form of the open structure, which will only gradually be filled with life. The functional division of the house is well described in its material configuration and the clear division into four pavilions and the use of the ground floor for community functions were positively evaluated - the new school has the ambition to become the community center of the new district. We praise the diversity and variety of intimacy of outdoor spaces.

Authors: Tomáš Kotas, Adam Novotník, Tomáš Gelien // The school is designed as a shared open system that serves teachers, pupils, parents, and, last but not least, the community. In its anteroom, it defines a residential street that connects to the historic road to Dolní Měcholupy and thus strengthens the connection between the old and the new part of the village. The building is designed as a platform for education, the space of which is largely connected to the exterior. The building consists of boards layered on top of each other, responding to the surroundings and the needs of the internal program. Spatial diversity encourages pupils' curiosity and offers great variability of use.

In the proposal, the jury appreciates the tightness and clear legibility of the expression, as well as an interesting and thoughtful spatial solution. The jury appreciates the location of the main entrance and its design, generally secure communication links, the integration of the auditorium into the internal common space. An interesting and to some extent variable floor plan, however, has a certain predetermination of the layout given by the chosen structure. Cafe at the entrance and dining room on the entrance floor - the basis of the design. The connection of gyms with the playground is evaluated positively, but the large outdoor sports area is in conflict with the operation of the kindergarten.

Authors: Richárd Hőnich, Gergely Kenéz, Luca Mudry, Máté Pálfy // The new school in Dolní Měcholupy is a very ambitious project. It not only aims to create a contemporary educational space for the local youth but also wants to become a connection between the old city and new developments by providing quality public spaces both outdoors and inside.

The jury appreciates the fluidity and interconnectedness of the common areas of the school across the house to the garden and at the same time the integration of the gym. Kindergarten appears to be a suitably chosen solution as part of the volume, but functionally independent of the school. It offers a great variety of spaces, the variability of the layout. In the jury's view, the roof solution is formal, although otherwise, it could have potential.

Authors: Alberto Brunello, Christophe Beraldin, Alberto Cumerlato, Jorge Torres Martínez // Our objective is to propose a school in the image of a “learning village”, a building that offers a feeling of protection to its students through its inner patios and plazas. We propose an open, contemporary, and flexible educational complex that can accommodate the various pedagogic and public activities for the future inhabitants of the new neighborhood. A complex, of a simple and robust design with wooden construction, respectful of the environment and resolved to take into account bioclimatic aspects. With the aim of having a positive impact on future students, we propose a series of buildings worked evenly. Through design decisions, we want to transmit to children an environment of equality and open to social interactions as a base for socialization in the new neighborhood.

The jury awarded the proposal an honorable mention because it attracted its attention with a quality treatise of the entire plot - a generous courtyard, pavilions, between which the outdoor space intertwines. The design has exceptionally pleasant proportions, a human scale, and a legible structure, which would lead to a good orientation in the area, especially for children. However, the authors underestimated the spatial demands of the given program.

Authors: Gaofei Tan, Yajun Chen // The layout of the school aims to link north and south (the new urban sprawl system and the reconstructed historical & nature system). It also corresponds to the surrounding situation. There are various fields (front square, playground, garden) for different activities. The school has an open view of the park in the south. The circulation flows clearly through the plot which also fits with the natural terrain.

The jury awarded the design an honorable mention because it appreciates the exceptionally strong and convincing architectural expression. The practical solution of placing common functions in the base and the actual operation of the school on it is portrayed in a fun, playful, and different way. However, the authors underestimated the spatial demands of the given program.