Liselotte Hansen-Schmidt education campus

Liselotte Hansen-Schmidt Campus

In the northern part of Seestadt Aspern, a new educational campus was established in the middle of a large contiguous green space. The recently opened Liselotte Hansen-Schmidt Education Campus was designed by Karl and Bremhorst Architects. Architect Christoph Karl explains during a tour that the campus technically excels in every aspect. Vasko+Partner was responsible for PPP (Public-Private Partnership) consulting and execution. "As PPP consultants, our focus was to harmonize the quality and cost-effectiveness of the project, which presented an exciting challenge in one of the largest urban development areas in Europe. Such a project is only possible through excellent collaboration with all project stakeholders," confirm Monika Anwander and Carl Thümecke from Vasko+Partner. Heating and cooling are achieved without fossil energy, thanks to geothermal energy, heat pumps, and component activation.

The Vienna City Education Campus accommodates a kindergarten, an elementary school, a new secondary school, and special education facilities. In total, up to 1,100 children and teenagers can be cared for throughout the day. Adjacent to the campus, there is a youth center, a café, an event space, as well as numerous sports facilities. "A spectacular concept that will undoubtedly set an example," says Bernhard Jarolim, Building Director of the City of Vienna, confidently.

The building is pleasantly cool and well-tempered, thanks to the energy mix implemented according to Harald Kuster's concept: passive house building envelope, heat pumps, over 70 geothermal probes, solar power, and a ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery. Through geothermal energy combined with thermal component activation of the intermediate ceilings, the building can be heated and cooled cost-effectively and efficiently. Cooling and heating are achieved from the ceiling - and that was also the planning challenge.

The building is divided into three parts: the entrance, stairs, and communal areas are located in the center, while the classrooms and learning spaces are in the other two parts. Accessible terraces are available on all floors, alongside green areas. External stairs lead from all floors to the garden.

Two kindergarten groups and four school classes are grouped together in their respective educational areas on each level. This allows children to interact and learn together across different age groups. They come together for collaborative projects in small and larger groups, with secluded corners available for quiet moments. Surrounding balconies and terraces provide space for outdoor lessons. The rooms can be easily adapted for various teaching methods using flexible furniture.