GO! BS Klim Op Zandbergen

Learning through play, movement, and inspiration is the foundation of BS Klim Op Zandbergen—a new public primary school in Zandbergen, Belgium, designed for holistic learning.

At BS Klim Op, the design actively supports the development of 21st-century skills—creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking—in a differentiated learning landscape full of activating zones and inspiring spaces, reflecting the school's core values of innovation, intrinsic motivation, involvement, and positive critical thinking.

The students' well-being is prioritized through a strong connection to nature, with access to outdoor areas, nature-inspired design, natural daylight, and fresh air throughout the campus. The indoor and outdoor facilities support individual and collaborative learning, with special attention given to the school's reading culture through inspiration zones supporting independence and self-directed learning.

Inspired by traditional Belgian countryside villages, the school comprises three connected houses forming "the Village," each serving as age-specific learning communities. A central "atrium" acts as the village square, fostering unity while providing dynamic spaces for movement and inspiration. From intimate focus areas to stimulating co-creation zones and flexible learning plazas, the physical learning environment serves as "the third teacher."

The design mirrors children's developmental journey through three distinct Learning Ecosystems inspired by local Belgian landscapes, maintaining a nurturing atmosphere while supporting different levels of autonomy: De Nuchten Ecosystem (Kindergarten K1-K3), De Heides en de Weides Ecosystem (Primary School Years 1-3), and De Mini-Maatschappij Ecosystem (Primary School Years 4-6).

Connecting these Learning Ecosystems is the metaphorical river "De Dender," flowing through the building and encouraging exploration and movement. As students' cognitive abilities grow, the learning environment evolves to provide appropriate challenges, creating a seamless progression from protected early learning spaces to increasingly independent zones that prepare them for active participation in society.

Students are empowered to move through the learning landscape and challenge themselves on their personal learning journey based on their unique needs, developing student agency and a lifelong love of learning.