GEOPLAN redefines the village school as a common social center
GEOPLAN’s Hotič Educational Complex unites a primary school schoola kindergarten, a multi-purpose hall and local community facilities in a new social center for the village of Hotič, Slovenia. The project is based on the understanding of the school as the central social space of the community, not just as an educational institution, but as a place of gathering, strengthening local identity and promoting everyday community life for all generations. Located at the heart of the village layout, the scale of the building and the articulation of the volumes reflect the logic of dispersed rural development. Instead of a single dominant volume, the building is divided into a series of interconnected spatial units that create transitions between public and semi-public spaces.
the building occupies a central position in Hotič | all images courtesy of GEOPLAN
Learning unfolds in adaptable indoor and outdoor spaces
THE design team in GEOPLAN deals with the design of open outdoor spaces, which together with the interior spaces form an extensive learning landscape. One of the primary goals of the project was to ensure the adaptability of the learning space. The design is based on modern pedagogical approaches, in which the learning process no longer takes place exclusively through traditional lecture-style teaching, but through various forms of collaboration, exploration and independent work. Therefore, classrooms are designed as adaptable, spatial landscapes that allow rapid reconfiguration based on the needs of each specific learning situation. Some classrooms also have direct access to the outdoors.
Modular furniture elements, different types of seating, quiet corners and open multi-purpose spaces allow different learning environments to be created in the same space. The building is designed as an amalgamation of various programs that complement each other throughout the day and during various events. In addition to the facilities of the primary school annex and the two-department nursery school, it also includes spaces for the local community, a village library and a multi-purpose hall for sports and cultural activities. The building’s design facilitates connection between different generations of everyday users, including preschool and school-aged children, educators, teachers, parents and local residents, through shared spaces, open communication and publicly accessible outdoor spaces.
the interconnected volumes reflect the scattered urban fabric of the village
The exposed concrete and beech define the materiality of the building
The structural design of the building is a result of the geomechanically demanding terrain, which necessitated the use of piles and led to the building being constructed entirely as a reinforced concrete structure. The reinforced concrete construction, which is exposed in some areas, is balanced by warm wood accents from local beech and a playful use of color in the classrooms and playrooms. The spaces feature linoleum flooring in various colors and the interior identity extends to the facade of the building.
The building meets the nearly zero energy standard and incorporates a high proportion of natural and mineral insulating materials. The project establishes a new spatial identity for Hotič, while remaining closely connected to the character of the place and the daily life of the local community. The building establishes its spatial identity through flexible learning environments, open communal spaces and the close interweaving of educational and community activities, which encourage daily interactions and enhance a sense of community belonging.
Outdoor spaces extend the learning environment beyond classrooms
