Classroom of the future

At Beethoven-Gymnasium in Berlin, a unique “circular classroom” has been created that is also intended to serve as a model for other school communities and create hope for a future in which a low environmental impact is a focus area.

The Beethoven-Gymnasium in the Berlin district of Lankwitz demonstrates how to transform and design classrooms with focus on a low environmental impact and at the same time focusing on the aesthetics and functionality. Here, students of the additional course in politics and economics, together with Philip Elsen, politics teacher and Head of Department for Social Sciences, have created a so-called circular classroom of the future as part of a pilot project that is currently unique for the capital.

Creating a circular future creatively

In addition to the C2C design concept, the school team has also been guided by the “New European Bauhaus” initiative and thus specifically supports the implementation of the European Green Deal. In particular, Philip Elsen’s project focused on actively involving young people, promoting their creativity and conveying that each individual can make a difference with their actions and help shape a more circular future.

Everything follows the Cradle to Cradle principle

Sponsored and supported by numerous external sponsors and in cooperation with the Berlin NGO Cradle to Cradle (C2C), a modern classroom has now been created that not only has the latest technical equipment and meets the highest educational requirements, but in which only materials and products that comply with the Cradle to Cradle principle, i.e. are recyclable in the sense of the circular economy, have been used. According to the design team, the chairs are “the most sustainable school chairs far and wide.” The room is also completely energy-autonomous on sunny days thanks to a balcony power station.

Troldtekt ceiling panels enhance the overall design

In the light-flooded classroom, a recyclable floor made from renewable raw materials with a wood finish exudes a cosy living room atmosphere. To match the light walls, where no preservatives or solvents have been used, light square acoustic panels have been installed on the ceiling, as well as some square recessed luminaires, which make the room look even more inviting and round off the overall design optimally.