Masterplan Primary School De Wante

This two-part masterplan for the primary school De Wante investigates its growth opportunities. Based on an analytical study of the existing buildings and the applicable regulations, a number of development opportunities were identified.

The feasibility and masterplan study was deliberately structured in two phases, allowing the client and stakeholders to make well-considered strategic choices at policy level.

During the first phase, the existing situation was assessed through an in-depth sustainability analysis. The school’s future vision was evaluated, as well as the surrounding context and applicable standards. This resulted in a number of concrete development opportunities, which were presented to the school board.

Following a number of strategic decisions, the second phase was initiated. In this stage, an exemplary spatial programme was developed based on AGION guidelines and translated into a masterplan. The conceptual design was elaborated through spatial planning and volumetric studies, taking into account the challenges identified in the first phase, a proposed phasing strategy, and an estimate of the financial implications.

The primary school, located on the border between Maarkedal and Horebeke, finds itself at a crucial crossroads regarding its continued future on the existing site. The buildings, dating from the 1980s, remain structurally sound and their architectural quality is still intact. However, the educational vision and requirements of today have changed significantly.

Our study examined mobility around the school in greater depth, as this represents an important and topical issue. Other key themes included the shortage of space within the school and the lack of sufficient thermal, acoustic, and technical comfort.

The site is constrained by municipal boundaries, spatial implementation plans, road infrastructure, and heritage-related elements, meaning that expansion possibilities are inherently limited. The proposed design resulting from the study responds to these constraints in a carefully considered and strategic manner.