Competition Successes in School Architecture: Compact, Sustainable, Convincing

With one first prize, two second prizes, one third prize, and four additional recognitions, the IB team earned a total of 14 points—placing them not only at the top of the school building category but also at the top of the overall competitionline ranking.

Over the past year, IB achieved eight distinctions in the field of school design – including a first prize. The competition for the Collège du Vélodrome was particularly defining: the team proposed a compact building to preserve as much open space as possible on the site. Public functions were deliberately placed on the first floor, the “Piano Nobile”. This unconventional concept convinced both the jury and the client. The compactness led to spatially rich yet efficient solutions, reflecting a commitment to simple, sustainable, and responsible architecture.

The extension of the Breitfeld primary school in Bern is also considered a success – despite earning third place. The century-old school building was sensitively complemented by a compact timber structure that convinced both architecturally and economically, contributing to resource-conscious urban development.

Each competition is approached with ambition and conviction. Even without winning, every placement confirms the project’s relevance and motivates the team to push ideas further. In school design, IB sees a particular responsibility: to create functional, inspiring learning environments. Open competitions, fostering creativity and collaboration, are especially valued by the firm.

This success is recognized by competitionline through an in-depth interview about IB’s involvement in design competitions with answers from Daniel van der Vyver (architect, head of competitions for western Switzerland, associate partner), Laurent Gerbex (head of design for western Switzerland, associate partner), Yves Reinacher (head of design for Bern), and Daniel Blum (senior architect, associate partner).