Elementary School Molitorgasse – Veit-Aschenbrenner

The Molitorgasse Elementary School combines a restoration in accordance with historic preservation guidelines with a new full-day program, transforming the existing school building into an open, multifaceted learning and living space. The addition, new open spaces, and strategic removal of paved surfaces create a child-friendly environment that harmoniously blends functional requirements, spatial surprises, and social value into a cohesive whole.

The central design motif is the opening of the rear facade: stacked open-concept classrooms transform the school into a space for learning and play on all levels. Interior and exterior spaces intertwine, and the spatial arrangement of classes and recess is reimagined. The school no longer presents itself as a self-contained building, but rather as a permeable structure that respectfully nestles around the existing ginkgo tree, which is recognized as a natural monument.

By raising the level of the rear courtyard, the contemporary functions of an appropriate, barrier-free main entrance, a central coatroom, and an activity room—accessible from the outside as well—with all its ancillary rooms were created. At the same time, child-friendly proportions are established in the courtyard for the first time. The previously cramped situation is resolved and transformed into a spacious, functional area for recreation and physical activity.

The Molitorgasse Elementary School has been certified in Gold according to the Austrian klimaaktiv building standard, achieving 920 out of 1,000 points. This standard, with its holistic approach to energy efficiency, resource conservation, climate adaptation, comfort, and health, is comparable to sustainability certifications such as DGNB or the German Sustainable Building Assessment System (BNB).

By raising the level of the rear courtyard, the project has created modern amenities, including an appropriate, accessible main entrance, a central coat check area, and an activity space—accessible from the outside—complete with all ancillary rooms. At the same time, the courtyard now features child-friendly proportions for the first time. The previously cramped space has been transformed into a spacious, functional area for recreation and activity.

The rear of the building resembles an open shelf: secured only by nets and deliberately devoid of traditional fall protection, it creates an extraordinary spatial experience. The view opens up, and the outdoor classrooms visually blend with the open space. This openness conveys a sense of freedom and spaciousness—a key quality of the new learning space.

The project is rounded out by a participatory planning process: teachers and students were actively involved in the design and furnishing. The Molitorgasse Elementary School has thus not only been renovated but also reinterpreted—as a school that views space as an educational tool.

Our star attraction was and remains the ginkgo tree, around which everything revolves—before, during, and after construction!