SHAPE Campuses

Dirtworks was part of an international design team on a new education campus in Belgium

for the US Department of Defense Schools Europe. Serving ten Member Nations, the

100,000 square meter campus includes 44,000 square meters of new buildings, increased

security and infrastructure requirements, extensive sustainable design components,

and complete outdoor and athletic amenities for the K-12 student body. Built within

the existing congested campus, the team developed a phased implementation plan

to address the complex coordination necessary to maintain physical security plans and

school operations during construction.

The design concept is based upon creating a central green space – a Landscape

Commons – that organizes the entire campus and unites individual buildings to create

a cohesive, educationally engaging, and environmentally sensitive setting. Dirtworks

worked closely with each Member Nation to link their educational curriculum with

the exterior environment. As a result, the experience and study of nature forms the

common denominator that links all age groups, cultures, and educational programs of

the Member Nations.

Location
Mons, Belgium

Size
28 acres

Collaborators
Mitchell / Giurgola Architects