Um Bock School - Retrofitting with Purpose and Participation

The retrofit and extension of the Um Bock School in Differdange preserves far more than a building — it preserves identity, memory, and community connection. Originally built in the 1950s, the school’s concrete structure and interior brick walls were consciously retained, maintaining their material authenticity and aged patina. Instead of replacing damaged areas with new materials, the project embraced an unconventional, community-driven approach. Children of the school worked with local artists to design custom bricks that were then integrated into the walls, embedding their creativity into the architecture.