Drawn by an elliptical atrium’s gleam, we approach the Maria-Ward-Schule Nurnberg. This isn’t just any school. It is a place where history and modernity meet. The Maria-Ward-Schule is more than just a school. It is actually a primary school, a secondary school, and a grammar school combined.
The Maria-Ward-Schule stands on Kesslerplatz in Nuremberg. Around 1,200 pupils and over 150 teachers fill its classrooms. The former building from the 1960s was outdated. A new, modern structure became necessary.
Lindner’s wall and object design divisions played a role in the new school. Spanning about 23,500 square meters, the Maria-Ward-Schule now provides ample space. Sixty modern classrooms are available. There is also an underground triple sports hall. Two refectory areas and a large creative room complete the facilities.
The elliptical atrium serves as the heart of the Maria-Ward-Schule. It functions as both an assembly hall and a multifunctional event venue. Glass surfaces provide views of the inner courtyard. The glass roof allows daylight to illuminate the building’s gold-colored elements.
The Archdiocese of Bamberg and H2M architects chose high-quality materials. Brass, glass, fair-faced concrete, and silver fir elements create a feel-good atmosphere. The lighting and room acoustics enhance the school’s modern look. Lindner Objektdesign manufactured the built-in furniture. Over 250 cupboards of varying sizes were installed. Special fixtures like the elliptical brass counter and curved artificial turf lawns were also created. Illuminated storey counters add a touch of modernity. Play and learning furniture, teacher’s kitchens, and custom-built teaching desks complete the interior.
Clear lines define the school’s modern design. Lindner and Hero-Glas developed a frameless glass partition system. Wooden door leaves were integrated into the glass walls. Silver fir surfaces with lacquered brass sheeting enhance the stairwells. These doors blend almost invisibly into the brass wall cladding. The large surfaces highlight the school building’s modern character. The doors and glass wall systems meet fire protection requirements.
The Maria-Ward-Schule is named after Mary Ward. She was an English Catholic religious sister. Her work led to the founding of the Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today, about 200 Mary Ward schools exist worldwide. Pope Benedict XVI declared Ward venerable in 2009.
Mary Ward was born Joan Ward in 1585. She experienced a calling to religious life at age 24. Despite facing opposition, she established a religious community in 1609. She opened schools for girls. Her vision was to empower women in the church. This idea was controversial in the 17th century.
Despite facing suppression, Mary Ward’s work endured. Her ideas and work gradually revived. In 1703, Pope Clement XI approved the institute’s rule. Pope Pius IX recognized it as an institute in 1877. The Holy See formally recognized Ward as the founder in 1909. In 2002, the Congregation of Jesus adopted the Jesuit constitutions.
The Maria-Ward-Schule in Nuremberg stands as a testament to Mary Ward’s vision. It is a place where girls receive a modern education. They are encouraged to pursue their dreams. The school’s architecture and design reflect this commitment to progress. As we leave, remember the Maria-Ward-Schule. It is a symbol of innovation. It is a tribute to a visionary woman.