SSP Rüthnick Architekten

Complete rehabilitation of a listed fourth track high school in Berlin-Steglitz: an inclusion school with focus on “vision”

The high school in Berlin-Steglitz is the first listed building with a comprehensive rehabilitation as part of the Berlin school construction offensive (Berliner Schulbauoffensive) in order to meet the demands of a modern school. Special emphasis was placed on inclusion and accessibility, with a focus on "vision". The school should be open to all students, regardless of their individual needs and abilities. The implementation of a corresponding interior concept, in accordance with barrier-free construction (DIN 18040-1), required special attention and was brought into harmony with the design in the historic context.

SSP Rüthnick Architekten took over the modification and restoration in accordance with the requirements of a listed building. In several construction phases and during ongoing operations, the rehabilitation of the building was done in accordance with the requirements of the listed building.
As well as adjustment of the partly severely damaged building construction, complete renewal of all technical facilities, upgrading of fire protection and the creation of accessibility. In the process, the measures developed into a pilot project for "Construction in Existing Contexts" as part of the Berlin school construction offensive.
The school, built in 1911, was built in the style of reform architecture. They turned away from the historicism that prevailed at the time, without parting with the traditional building trade. Representatives of reform architecture were Peter Behrens, Hermann Muthesius and Heinrich Tessenow. The Fichtenberg High School was designed by the Berlin architect Hans Heinrich Müller. Müller is best known in Berlin for his numerous brick substations for the Berlin Electricity Works (Bewag).

Clustering instead of a classic corridor school
A contemporary concept of cluster was implemented during the renovation of the high school. The fire protection concept, which was developed on a forward-looking school pedagogy, enables clusters that expand the classic corridor school. This will enable the furnishing of the wide corridor zones and foyers and the associated expansion of the previous usable areas into learning and working landscapes. The students can work and learn there in small and large groups. This encourages collaboration while creating an individualized learning environment for everyone.

Modernized rooms for general education and science rooms
With a consistent and contemporary interior concept, the rooms for general lessons were modernized and adapted to the needs of the students. In addition, specialist rooms for natural sciences have been set up to offer students optimal conditions for experimental learning.

Foyer, assembly hall, gym, library and cafeteria
In the middle of the wings of the building, there is a foyer on each floor in connection with the open, representative main staircase, which provides a glimpse into the historical time window of the year 1910. Even from the time the high school was built, sophisticatedly designed fountains adorn the recreation areas. Lavishly restored, the gems shine in new splendour. The cafeteria was housed in the bay window on the ground floor. The previously inconspicuous room could be revitalized in this way. With the restoration of the assembly hall, reconstruction of the Rabitz ceiling and all fixtures, the former Lyceum, the once higher girls' school of Empress Augusta, will regain its spacious festival room. The gym, integrated in the basement of the historic school, was renovated and modernized.
The library, art and computer room complete the spatial concept. The new premises are not only intended to enrich everyday school life, but also serve as an identity-creating a meeting place and pleasant retreat for the students of the Fichtenberg High School.

Realization
2017-2024 (4 phases of construction, 5th phase 2024-2025)

Services
planning phases 2-9, full architectural services

GFA
9300 m²

Building costs
29 Mio. €

Photograph
Klemens Renner