Calandlyceum Amsterdam

The Calandlyceum, with 1,900 students of all levels in secondary education, including special classes for top sports talents, is a true reflection of the diverse urban landscape of Amsterdam. Gianni Cito’s design for the renovation and expansion of the existing school building invites all these groups together under one roof to come together and interact.

Programme
Expansion and renovation Calandlyceum

Surface
15.000 m² GFA, of which 4.000 m² is newly built

Architect
Gianni Cito

Team
Patrick de Weerd

Year
2023

Status
In preparation

Location
Amsterdam

Client
SOVOP Calandlyceum Amsterdam

Construction
Pieters Bouwtechniek Amsterdam

Building physics
LBPSight

Landscape
Bureau B&B Amsterdam

From U to O
In its current layout, the school building has a U-shape. The new design connects the ends through an additional wing in the form of a wooden bridge. This striking, open construction eliminates the need for students and teachers to turn around at the end of the hallway, and instead allows for continuous circulation, encouraging interaction and integration.

Interior and exterior
The connecting wing extends across the inner courtyard, creating an elevated central outdoor atrium. This pleasant, green space serves as an inviting area for spending breaks together, studying during free periods, attending classes, or even hosting performances. Meanwhile, the new spacious entrance hall formed by the overhang provides both intimate and spacious areas for meetings and relaxation. As a result, the school gains not one, but two new hearts.

Pure nature
In addition to space, light, and meeting opportunities, the design incorporates nature. The wooden bridge, serving as the new main façade, is lushly planted, and the elevated inner courtyard is filled with greenery to create a variety of spaces. All this gives the school a healthy appearance and enhances the well-being of students, staff, neighbourhood residents, and passersby. Furthermore, the shade provided by the façade plants has a cooling effect on the spaces behind them. A triple win.