POEMS

Throughout the entire school poems have been applied to the linoleum
floors and the furniture. The thought behind this is that there are moments
outside of the classroom when you can learn and gain insights: often a
casual setting is very inspiring. Maybe these poems provide a different
perspective in an unguarded moment.i29 commissioned the poet Erikjan –
Harmens for this. He worked out themes like insecurity and friendship
together with the students. The open texts leave room for their own
interpretation.
129 modeled the poems in ‘carpets of text’ in which the letters stick
together and seem to flow from each other. From a distance the texts form
intriguing graphic patterns. This imagery has been implemented by i29 in
the new school logo, the facade and the signposting throughout the school.
The furniture, which was made to measure, is informal and dynamic.
Because work takes place both in groups and individually, i29 itself
designed tables in asymmetrical, angular shapes. These shapes allow the
furniture to be linked together in all kinds of ways and different
configurations can be made, such as square, circular or star-shaped set-up.
This .means the pieces can be used in the general spaces as well as in the
classrooms and staff rooms.
29: ‘We think in structures and rhythms and not in taste or style. You can
look at it as music which deals with harmony and contrast. One tone is not
unconnected to the next and silence is essential.’ i29 has realized a spatial
composition which has been carried out without compromise. Over the
neutral basis of tables and benches there is a fine fabric of black elements.
It matches well here because of its technical aura and it urges you to think
about the design and production process. It is a vocational school after all.
Just because this is not a university, does not mean you do not have to
challenge the students