De Leerboom Halle: A Space for Creative Learning by BRUT Architecture and Urban Design

Located in Halle, Belgium, De Leerboom Halle is a transformative educational project designed by BRUT Architecture and Urban Design. The project revitalizes an existing school campus, creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. Completed in 2019, this 1,750 m² facility redefines how space, interaction, and learning converge.

Urban Integration and Campus Identity

To enhance visibility and engagement with the community, the new volume is placed perpendicular to the street, creating a welcoming face for the school and opening up the campus toward the surrounding neighborhood. This strategic orientation also minimizes the building's impact on the streetscape, preserving the visual character of the area.

A newly designed bicycle and pedestrian path lines the building, establishing a safe and inviting entrance. This path forms a new, clearly defined address for the primary school, reinforcing its presence in the urban context.

Spatial Organization and Educational Functionality

The building is structured around a three-floor layout, each containing four classrooms. This compact and functional design optimizes land use and allows room for a much-needed outdoor playground. Classrooms are arranged in clusters along the northern facade, with wide, light-filled circulation areas that promote visibility and movement.

These hallways are not just for transit—they serve as meeting zones and breakout spaces, fostering cross-grade interactions and supporting creative learning practices. This layout breaks down traditional barriers between grade levels, encouraging collaboration, socialization, and informal learning.

Outdoor Connectivity and Vertical Interaction

On the southern side, a multifunctional canopy links several key components of the school: the dining hall, a double-height polyvalent room, and the administrative offices on the first floor. Above the canopy, an outdoor classroom acts as a vibrant central gathering space, visually and functionally connecting all three levels of the school.

A bold external staircase becomes a central architectural element—offering not just circulation, but a symbolic and practical link between indoor and outdoor learning environments. This continuous flow encourages exploration, creativity, and engagement with nature, all while supporting the school’s pedagogical goals.

De Leerboom Halle exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can enhance educational experiences, foster community connections, and promote holistic child development. BRUT Architecture and Urban Design’s approach celebrates flexibility, accessibility, and creative spatial strategies that turn a traditional school into a lively learning landscape.

All photographs are works of Steven Neyrinck