Hartmannplatz High School

The higher secondary school is located at Richard-Hartmann-Platz square on the western edge of the historical center of Saxon Kamenz. This site was once home to the engineering company Sächsische Maschinenfabrik (founded in the mid-19th century by railway pioneer Richard Hartmann, who supplied most of the steam locomotives to the Saxon kingdom but also produced turbines, mining equipment, and machine tools), which was destroyed during World War II. The only exception is the preserved factory building, which has been incorporated among the city's monuments and now serves as a visitor and information center).
The low block of the secondary school adopts the shape and coloring of the factory buildings and develops the historical area in a modern way. The compact form and clear construction give the new building a confident appearance, allowing the school to actively engage in dialogue with neighboring buildings at Hartmannplatz and collectively create a new urban space.
The building is situated on a gentle slope. The façade facing Hartmannstrasse looks as if the building is floating. The lifted northern façade allows for direct access to the courtyard, which protects students from the surrounding traffic and enhances the entrance to the building.
A wide staircase leads from the central courtyard to the covered entrance hall, which opens through all floors and allows for visual connections between different parts of the school. The corridors surrounding the courtyard and atrium provide direct access to classrooms, specialized rooms, and offices, ensuring easy navigation. Social and communication zones are located between the symmetrically placed main staircases.