Wim Poppinga, 2002

Location: De Vijver, Kikkerbeetlaan 47, The Hague

Wim Poppinga designed a flexible layout for the forecourt in keeping with the special design of this school by architect Marlies Rohmer. The remarkable thing about the architecture of the school is that the roof can function as a basketball court.To get there, you can pass by an outdoor metal staircase that starts below as a wide wooden stand. Poppinga designed an uneven terrain of black asphalt that extends across the street to the houses opposite, inviting any wheeled activity (roller skating, skateboarding, etc.).When it rains, the square regulates like a game of running water. A long wide wooden bench running the entire length of the square separates the schoolyard from the street section. The bench is so sturdy that it too is multifunctional and can be used both by those who come to pick up the children and as a springboard for the skaters. In practice, however, it was found that in the evening when the children are long gone, this location developed into a hangout for youths from far and wide.The consequences were smashed windows, destruction of the metal cage construction that defines this school, and nuisance for local residents.To counteract all the misery it was decided to place a fence across the playground.Wim Poppinga was involved in the consultations and submitted several alternatives for a well-designed fence.The Education Department is investigating the possibilities of financing one of the proposals.