'De Regenboog' Primary School for Special Education Koekelare
Eric Dewilde, principal SBSO Koekelare
This is a jewel. If we compare this to our previous school, we're very happy. We went from hell straight into heaven. About six years ago our school got a full screening. Our old infrastructure was rejected, it wasn't up to standard anymore, due to safety issues and a lack of comfort. Then we started up our plan. We wrote the Department of Education quite often. At first, we weren't successful. But after a while, let's say five or six years, our plans were approved and we completed the total concept in one year.
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The special needs school sits behind a warehouse, away from the noisy street. On the small site a lot was realized thanks to compact building techniques. The classrooms are spacious and light, and each has its own number and colour. That makes things fun and recognizable for the children.
Eric Dewilde, principal SBSO Koekelare
The school is called 'The Rainbow', so we need colours. And they've done that perfectly. Downstairs the colours vary from red to yellow. Upstairs we have various shades of green and the sanitary facilities all have a blue colour.
The building's soul is its openness. We have a global view from the inside and are able to see all activities. Everything is centralized around the gym. Around it classrooms, above it therapy rooms. Actually, it's a very airy and practical building.
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That practical design can be seen in the gym. The mobile wall is easily removed. Together with the cafeteria the gym forms a multipurpose room. The cafeteria decor hides the kitchen, but undoubtedly inspires school drama.
Eric Dewilde, principal SBSO Koekelare
The concept of the entire school amounts to approximately two million euros. 70% of that amount was financed by the Agency for Infrastructure in Education. The remaining 600,000 euros we have to pay ourselves. But we saved a lot of money in the past, so we were able to do this.
Everybody who sees this, is speechless. And when they've been inside, they say: 'This is amazing.' 'You must be very happy people. You must love working here.' And that's true.