In the heart of this picturesque village, Kleinpaschleben, nestled among lush landscapes, there is an abandoned elementary school that once echoed with the laughter of children. Kleinpaschleben is a district of the municipality of Osternienburger Land, northwest of the district town of Köthen in the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district. The community has a total of around 8,400 residents and the district has around 800 residents. Until it closed in 2016, the elementary school was a social center for the surrounding districts. This village, with its charming cottage-like neighbourhood and vibrant traditions, is now encountering with the challenge of a shrinking population. The building, which is currently in a mediocre spatial,structural and energy condition, is currently only partially used by the community. The property includes the former school building with the schoolyard, a gymnasium
and a park-like area of approx. 11,500 m² with a playground, open and green spaces, including the area of the former school garden.
As younger generations migrate to urban centers in search of opportunities, the village faces the risk of losing its social and cultural vibrancy. To counter this trend and breathe new life into the community, the concept of Re-Generation is introduced to transform the school into a dynamic multigenerational meeting place that serves as a catalyst for social regeneration. “Re-Generation” serves as a dual-purpose theme emphasizing both the physical regeneration of the school and the social regeneration of the village. This transformation not only regenerates a physical structure but also rethinks and relinks generations, nurturing a strong, interconnected community. Inspired by the existing school courtyard, which was once served as a natural gathering place for students, various courtyard typologies are proposed throughout the design. These courtyards will create interconnected spaces that cater to different generations and activities, serving as focal points for interaction, relaxation, and communal gatherings. The existing courtyard will be revitalized, preserving its central role in the community while introducing new courtyard spaces tailored to specific uses.
and a park-like area of approx. 11,500 m² with a playground, open and green spaces, including the area of the former school garden.
As younger generations migrate to urban centers in search of opportunities, the village faces the risk of losing its social and cultural vibrancy. To counter this trend and breathe new life into the community, the concept of Re-Generation is introduced to transform the school into a dynamic multigenerational meeting place that serves as a catalyst for social regeneration. “Re-Generation” serves as a dual-purpose theme emphasizing both the physical regeneration of the school and the social regeneration of the village. This transformation not only regenerates a physical structure but also rethinks and relinks generations, nurturing a strong, interconnected community. Inspired by the existing school courtyard, which was once served as a natural gathering place for students, various courtyard typologies are proposed throughout the design. These courtyards will create interconnected spaces that cater to different generations and activities, serving as focal points for interaction, relaxation, and communal gatherings. The existing courtyard will be revitalized, preserving its central role in the community while introducing new courtyard spaces tailored to specific uses.
