2. Mansiyon, International Competition for the Conceptual Architectural Design of the Second High School Building in Podgorica

Hakkı Can Özkan ve Ferhat Bulduk'un "International Competition for the Conceptual Architectural Design of the Second High School Building in Podgorica" için tasarladığı proje, 2. mansiyon ödülünü kazandı.

Proje Raporu:

Second High School – Podgorica University Campus

Concept and Design Explanation

The design of the Second High School is based on the clarity of orientation, the rational use of daylight, and the creation of rich spatial experiences far students. The building sits on a rectangular plot aligned along its eastern edge, forming a singular “L-shaped” linear bar.

The east façade is dedicated entirely to classrooms, benefitting from the optimal morning sunlight. This side alsa hosts one of the pedestrian entrances, reinforcing the strong educational identity of the façade.

On the west side, the building faces a green greve. This façade, characterized by transparent surfaces and red-painted free learning zones, contrasts with the solid concrete volume of the classrooms. These transparent areas house informal learning and social spaces-a mphitheater-style steps, verticaI circulation elements, and collaborative platforms-designed to support peer-to-peer learning.

The south edge of the site is reserved far outdoor playgrounds and sports fields at ground level. Beneath them, a large covered sports hall extends the athletic facilities of the school. Between the sports hall and the main building, a sunken courtyard has been created. This protected garden, located at the negative level, is directly connected to both the school and the sports halı, providing students with a safe and vibrant environment far recreation and interaction.

To the north, a natural green slope forms an outdoor amphitheater. it not only encloses the sunken garden but alsa offers an open-air venue far socializing, informal gatherings, and cultural events.

Overall, the design emphasizes a dual strategy: rationality and efficiency in the classroom wing, paired with transparency, openness, and flexibility in the social and collaborative spaces. The result is a contemporary educational environment that balances structure with freedom.

Materialisation

The material palette enhances the duality between solid educational spaces and flexible social zones: Structure: Reinforced concrete frame provides robustness and longevity.

Classroom Wing: Exposed concrete and plaster finishes emphasize perma nence and clarity. West Façade: Full-height glazing combined with red-painted surfaces highlights the informal learning zones, creating a striking visuaI contrast.

West Façade: Full-height glazing combined with red-painted surfaces highlights the informal learning zones, creating a striking visuaI contrast.

Sports Hall: Concrete shell structure with wooden acoustic cladding ensures durability and sound control.

Landscape & Courtyard: Natural stone paving, timber seating, and green terraces create a tactile, student-friendly environment.

This combination of materials provides durability, clarity of form, and a balance between solid and transparent elements, expressing the educational ethos of the project.

Environmental Aspect

The project integrates ecological strategies to enhance comfort and efficiency:

Orientation: Classrooms on the east benefit from optimal morning light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Passive Climate Design: West façade transparency is tempered by buffer zones, shading elements and natural ventilation, reducing heat gain.

Green Courtyard: The sunken inner garden improves microclimate, enhances natural ventilation, and creates a protected outdoor learning environment.

Natural lntegration: The northern green amphitheater and southern sports fields embed the building into the landscape. Energy Efficiency: LED lighting, high-performance glazing, and potential integration of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the main building.