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