Project Novum Groen, from sketch to green zone in one year;
19 November 2020 (Sustainability Day) the project started with a workshop Depaving and planting a tree by Rector Michel Zorge. In workshops with the students, parameters were examined and models and drawings were made according to the wishes of the students. On EarthDay 2021, 15 Wilde Wingerds were planted so that the facade of the school also becomes greener. In the spring of 2021, the pavement was removed so that large open circles with grass were created. This gives a friendly image and breaks up the long, rectangular square. Removing large parts of the pavement is good for cooling the square in the summer; the climate on the square becomes more pleasant to be present, to teach, to sit, etc. Because the paving on the square is reduced, rainwater can be absorbed naturally into the soil. Stones continue to give off heat at night after a long day in the sun. For the borders in the circles (Greek) plants and shrubs have been chosen. Plants that bloom in the spring, autumn and winter or are evergreen have also been chosen. A circle shape is vegetable garden; here, edible vegetables and herbs are grown by students. Seats were realised in summer 2021. Round tables and benches with round pergolas over which grapes grow, the color white fits within the 'Greek theme' and is cooling in the summer.
One of the wishes of students and teachers was the realisation of an amphitheater that would hide the ugly fences, and also offer outdoor teaching space. The amphitheater is made up of concrete seats that were already present on the square (recycling). A central water tap has been made in front of the Amphitheater (the water tap is sponsored by Dunea). On 14 October 2021, Alderman Education, Voorburg Juliette Bouw and Hoogheemraad Manita Koop opened the schoolyard in Voorburg with teachers and students. The square received an official award from Hoogheemraad Manita Koop, making it a climate-adaptive square. The parameters have been realised. The students are now present outside on the square every day and make intensive use of seats and the theater while previously they were always inside the school building.
Thanks to; Hoogheemraadschap Delfland, Dunea Duin en Water, Weverling Groenprojecten,
Van Dijk Hoveniers, leerlingen Nina Matzer, Leiding, organisatie en docententeam Novum, Familie Meier en Ing J.Suasso