(Hitsch Photography)

In the municipality of Balzers in the Principality of Liechtenstein, a multi-purpose all-weather space has been built in the immediate vicinity of the school building, meeting many different needs and providing exercise opportunities for everyone.

The Wegmüller design office in Switzerland set itself the task of designing a public space that encourages pupils to get moving and become active – an approach that could set a precedent.

The existing red synthetic surface was in need of refurbishment. The planning office modelled its design on innovative projects from Denmark and concluded that an all-weather pitch certainly does not have to be rectangular or necessarily red in colour.

The central approach of the design of the multi-purpose open-air space in Balzers was to cater for a wide range of needs and to give the space a design as diversified as possible so that it can be enjoyed by pupils both in physical education lessons and during school breaks and leisure time.