Renovation of an upper secondary school and a vocational college
Serving different teaching needs under one roof
The teaching activities of Kainuu Vocational College were relocated within the premises of the existing Kajaani Upper Secondary School campus. A part of the building built in the 90s was suitable for classroom-based teaching and was converted into premises for education in the hairdressing and beauty care industry, the conservatory and the business sector. The core problem to be solved was how to combine a major change in the building’s purpose with a modern pedagogical operating culture within the framework of a limited space.
Project information
Skills and arts
The column-beam-slab structure of the building to be renovated made the removal of partition walls possible, enabling the free design of new spaces.
The Conservatory's facilities have been equipped with learning spaces for music theory and electronic music, as well as classes suitable for individual instrument lessons. The conservatory also has a recording studio. The hair and beauty care industry is mainly studied through practical work, so the aim has been to create a professional hairdressing atmosphere with reception desks in the learning environment; the facilities also offer commercial services as student work. The business sector forms a spacious unit that provides both an open environment and peaceful classroom teaching facilities for training.
Students studying for a vocational qualification on the joint campus can also complete upper secondary school studies leading to the matriculation examination. Upper secondary school students, on the other hand, can use, for example, the facilities of the conservatory when studying music.
