Balance in diversity Redesign of the schoolyard of the Albert-Schweitzer-Geschwister-Scholl-Gymnasium in Marl

The school grounds of the Albert-Schweitzer-Geschwister-Scholl-Gymnasium (ASGSG) in Marl are characterised by a varied old tree population. The schoolyard is intensively used by more than one thousand pupils as well as by a go-kart club on weekends. The school grounds always offered large activity areas, but there were hardly any unpaved areas or opportunities to play. The redesign of the grounds creates a place with educational and athletic opportunities beyond the schoolyard use. The new school grounds serve as an intercultural meeting place that promotes integration. New offers complement the leisure activities of the children and young people beyond lesson time.

The idea
The motto "Balance in Diversity" emerged in the course of intensive participation by pupils and teachers in autumn 2016. In the course of three participation stages, user demands, wishes and ideas were explored and translated into the design planning. The schoolyard entrance will be moved to the east. This creates a transit space between the main entrance and the schoolyard, which channels the flow of movement and calms the other schoolyard areas.

The formative and space-creating tree population is retained. A colored "movement band" runs swinging over the entire schoolyard and connects different active and rest areas with each other.

The schoolyard
So an active space with soccer fields was established west of the building A. The schoolyard is located in the middle of the schoolyard. As a counterpoint, an island for concentrated play with balancing and bouncy poles was created south of the Mint office. Between Building B and the gymnasium, a streetball hoop and ping-pong tables liven things up, and to the north of the gymnasium, a play grove with a climbing and balancing structure, horizontal bars, and a bouldering element provides further opportunities. The highlight at this point is the stage for meetings and performances opposite the main entrance.

Further north, a grass island opens up the paved areas. On one side, it connects flush with the surface; on the opposite side, it rises 60 centimeters - a new, central meeting place in the schoolyard. The forecourt of the refectory has been unsealed and transformed into a large rest area with loungers and grass verges and a green classroom. In the existing

grove of trees, the "Walk of Fame" of the Abi monuments is gradually being created. The new resting balcony with reclining element provides an opportunity to retreat and observe nature. Clematis and perennial plantings frame this somewhat secluded spot. Low-maintenance grasses, perennials, and flowering shrubs complement the existing plantings and provide special accents.

The edges
At the edge of the school grounds, along Max Planck Road, the surfaces of the teacher parking lots have been resurfaced. A grass bed with flowering shrubs highlights the entrance to the school building. The area around the auditorium was also repaved. Targeted thinning out of the existing greenery makes the auditorium a friendly, light-flooded space again. A small-crowned flowering shrub with a seasonal aspect serves as a splash of colour.

The new waste disposal area on Max-Planck-Strasse is bordered by a hornbeam hedge. The surfaces of the driveway towards building B were renewed, partially unsealed and supplemented with new lawns. The existing planting was selectively supplemented with spring aspects.