Werkstattschule

The WERKstattSCHULE adds an important extracurricular place of learning to Heidelberg’s educational world: In practical projects, students gain faith in their own abilities and are encouraged to choose their own path. »The WERKstattSCHULE is first and foremost a free space,« says Hendrikje Lorenz, Managing Director of the supporting association of the same name, explaining the intention behind the facility. »Because here, adolescents and young people can implement artistic and craft projects, try things out, and develop their skills regardless of their social background.«

Since it was founded, this place of learning has been housed in the buildings of the former train depot. A generous donor gifted the heritage-listed industrial building to the association, and this provided the impetus for the reorganization of the depot site: The historical building was renovated and an extension added, while the outdoor space was restructured and its design upgraded. »In a workshop with the IBA and landscape architect Gerko Schröder from Treibhaus Landschaftsarchitektur, we developed an open-space planning concept that makes the possibilities and offerings of the WERKstattSCHULE tangible for the general public,« says Hendrikje Lorenz, explaining the planning process.

The idea: A fence made up of different materials, sizes, and forms of finishing denotes the boundary of the site and indicates entrances and seating areas, as well as spaces for sculptures and a rock garden. The lighting concept of Cut GmbH takes up the idea of the industrial pole lights from the days of railway operations, of which some are still in existence on the grounds.

This way, the WERKstattSCHULE not only enhances this peripheral location with its educational offerings, but its design thrust also represents important pioneering work in this urban mishmash between Wieblingen and Pfaffengrund, between rail tracks and commercial halls.