BSBO School, image courtesy of VBM architecten

VBM architects has designed the BSBO School in Halmaalweg Sint-Truiden, Belgium. The school was built to take care of mentally handicapped and autistic children, this is the good attempt of the randomized openings on the elevation which is the result of the program to stimulate the visual sensitivity of the children.

+ Project description courtesy of VBM architects

To avoid non-systematic spatial growth, the first step was to design the extension together with a long-term master plan. The built and the green areas are interlaced and have a continuous mutual contact. The extension can be stepped in 3 phases, but it always maximizes the garden and playground surfaces.

BSBO School, image courtesy of VBM architecten

The extremely simple and consequent structural concept is cost effective, while the form of the facades is the result of the programme that explicitly expressed the need of autistic children for visual stimuli positioned in a randomised rhythm.

BSBO School - Master plan, drawing courtesy of VBM architecten

BSBO School - Ground floor plan, drawing courtesy of VBM architecten

BSBO School - 1st floor plan, drawing courtesy of VBM architecten

BSBO School - West + South elevation, drawing courtesy of VBM architecten

BSBO School - Long + Cross section, drawing courtesy of VBM architecten

+ Project credits / data

Design team – architecture: VBM architecten (Bogdan & Van Broeck Architects and LAVA Architecten)
Project: BSBO School
Site: Halmaalweg Sint – Truiden,
Client: Gemeenschapsonderwijs
Design date: 2003 first prize Open Oproep 3
Completion: 2005 – 2006
Budget: € 844,983
Surface: 848m²
Engineering: BSTK ingenieursbureau
Health and safety adviser: Ve-Co bvba
Contractor: Postelmans – Frederickx nv

+ All drawings and images courtesy of VBM architects

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