Dr. Heike Brauer at SCHULBAU Fair Essen: Rethinking the Schoolyard as a Learning Environment

What does a schoolyard look like where everyone feels comfortable—for playing, learning, resting, and interacting? This question is at the heart of the workshop by Dr. Heike Brauer at SCHULBAU Salon & Fair in Essen. The certified school building consultant brings many years of experience in pedagogy, spatial planning, and process design. Her focus: creating spaces that strengthen learning—not just function.

The schoolyard is a crucial component in this regard. As an interface between architecture and pedagogy, it reflects what defines a school. Social relationships develop here; this is where community is lived. Yet this space is often underutilized, overdesigned, or unplanned. The expert opens the discussion with her workshop—practical, model-based, and open to participation.

Dr. Heike Brauer: Rethinking schoolyards and designing together

In the workshop, participants collaboratively develop ideas for a schoolyard that supports everyday pedagogical practice. There is crafting, discussion, and reflection. Models emerge, perspectives converge. The question is less about how to make schoolyards more attractive—it is more about how they can be conceived and used as fully-fledged educational spaces.

Dr. Heike Brauer brings a clear perspective to this: pedagogy, spatial profile, and equipment must be considered together. She has supported schools and authorities for over 15 years in developing such concepts—in Phase Zero as well as in existing buildings or during later implementation. Her work is structured, process-oriented, and always close to the people on site.

The workshop is aimed at educators, planners, school authorities, and administrative representatives—anyone interested in how a surface becomes a place.

📍 SCHULBAU Essen 2025
📅 September 24–25, 2025
📌Messe Essen Foyer Ost
🎤 Workshop by Dr. Heike Brauer:
“What does a schoolyard look like where everyone feels comfortable—for playing, learning, resting, and interacting?”
🕓 Program: CLICK!