School Campus North, Neubrandenburg

The city of Neubrandenburg is planning to redesign the outdoor areas of the ‘Am Reitbahnsee’ primary school and the neighbouring Regional School North. The aim is to unseal the schoolyard and make it climate-adapted. Following the recent refurbishment of the two schools, the outdoor area is to be developed into a modern, functional and environmentally friendly School Campus North. Particular attention will be paid to the integration of nature and sustainable solutions.

Open space concept and thematic design

The open space concept links the planetary orbit theme of the regional school with the primary school. The rainbow forms the central motif for the north school campus. It not only symbolises diversity, peace and hope, but also combines the cosmic elements of the solar system with earthly phenomena of light refraction in a fascinating way – a harmonious symbol that combines scientific principles with aesthetic beauty.

A striking, accessible rainbow sculpture made of steel and ropes is the centrepiece of the primary school playground. In addition, sports areas, a sprint track and fog jets that reflect the light create an interactive, nature-based learning environment. The redesigned outdoor facilities offer a balanced interplay between active play and quiet relaxation, transforming the campus into a lively landscape for discovery while also creating quiet retreats.

Wooden elements such as the green classroom, seating islands and raised beds invite interaction and create a natural atmosphere, while diverse planting harmoniously connects all components. The rainbow climbing sculpture and the colourful sports field, which together create striking and lively accents, have a particularly identity-forming effect.

Sustainability and unsealing

A large part of the area is designed to be water-permeable so that rainwater can be stored and evaporation encouraged. The robust design of the north school campus ensures longevity, with existing surface materials being retained or reused. For example, large-format GDR slabs serve as stepping stones across the central trough.

The reduced sealing and integrated evaporation areas significantly improve the microclimate. As a result, the schoolyard is not only becoming a place for recreation, exercise and interaction, but also a sustainable habitat with meadows, insect-friendly shrubs and fruit trees. Numerous new fruit and climate trees will be added to the existing trees, while no existing trees will be felled, which emphasises the ecological focus of the project.