Loftschool Uster

  • Prize
    Honorable Mention in Interior Design / New Concepts
  • Company/Firm
    Dost Architektur GmbH
  • Lead Designer
    Julian Tschanen / Christian Leutwyler
  • Design Team
    Julian Tschanen / Christian Leutwyler
  • Architect
    Dost Architektur GmbH
  • Interior Designer
    Dost Architektur GmbH
  • Lighting Designer
    Dost Architektur GmbH
  • Photographer Credit
    Bildungszentrum Uster
  • Location
    Uster, Switzerland
  • Client
    Bildungszentrum Uster
  • Project Date
    August 2023
  • Project Link

The Largest Classroom in Switzerland

Society and the world of work are constantly evolving, presenting new challenges for education. The public school system and the "Vocational Education 2030" initiative respond by promoting forward-looking teaching and learning, preparing young people for tomorrow's working world with a focus on applied pedagogical-methodical learning. Until now, little attention has been given to the design of the learning environment, but initial efforts to redesign school spaces are underway. A pilot project at the Vocational School Uster (BFSU) supports new training concepts through a multifunctional, flexible learning environment, transforming traditional classrooms into a multidimensional, loft-like learning landscape.

The "Loft School" concept envisions 120 students learning in an open space of 1000 m² without fixed walls. This offers several advantages. The large, open space allows flexible and efficient use, with adaptable learning zones for different activities and teaching methods. The open structure facilitates communication and interaction between students and teachers, enabling easier collaboration and fostering idea exchange and problem-solving.