Piter Jelles Nijlân

Nijlân is an expansive, calm district, on the south-western outskirts of Leeuwarden. It has both postwar housing and 1960' developments – low- and high-rise. The school has a new education concept: departments with 100 students each, put together their own timetable. Teachers have a base, the students are mobile and thereby learn to work independently. This school is an entirely autonomous, compact building made the best economic, environmental and logical sense. Around a 4-storey transparent centre, in which the practical subjects are taught in full view, are arranged the rooms where theoretical subjects are taught – also transparent. The external façades are partially screened by wood boarding. The lowest circle of rooms houses businesses, which enable students to work and prove their abilities in the outside world.The compact rounded form allows the extensive use of glass while keeping heat and energy consumption to a minimum.