Leo Kanner College in Leiden is a school for special secondary education. The target group includes children with different variations of autism. The newly built school offers an inspiring and secure environment for students and teachers where they can learn, play, relax and more.
Differentiated zones, a calm and peaceful atmosphere, and regularity are very import for the school. To avoid direct connections to the outside world, all rooms are enclosed by a buffer zone. The floor plan has the shape of windmill sail, allowing for a compact layout with clearly marked zones. Within this arrangement, there is little interference between different groups of students.
There is a clear separation between the general functions on the ground floor and classrooms on the upper levels. An interior walkway gives access to practice rooms on the ground floor. Two spiral staircases in the middle of walkway lead to the first and second floors where the classrooms are located. Both floors have their own staircase, creating separate flows of students and therefore peaceful transfers between classes.
The facades are made of red brick masonry in a vertical bond. Occasionally, bricks extrude from the facade surface, giving the building a distinct identity. Large cut-outs on the upper levels create space for roof terraces and gardens. The classrooms located at these patios benefit from plenty of daylight, whereas the vertical rhythm of windows, blinds and panels reduces external stimuli.
Each group of pupils has its own outdoor area with little distraction or noises from other groups. When scheduling allows it, different play courts can be connected, making one larger outdoor space. The exterior space was designed together with the client to generate excitement, while keeping a peaceful and structured atmosphere.
The design consists of a few basic elements: a ‘red carpet’, circular objects, a running track around the main play area, graphics and lines on the pavement, and opportunities to play outdoor games like chess and table tennis. By applying these elements, the design offers great diversity, while maintaining overview for students and staff.