Topping out ceremony in Elsterwerda: Newest building for the education of the future!

Topping out ceremony in Elsterwerda: Newest building for the education of the future!

A significant topping-out ceremony for the extension of the Elbe-Elster Upper School Center (OSZ) was recently celebrated in Elsterwerda. Carpenter foreman Danny Schneider presented the topping out during the festivities, expressing the progress of the ambitious construction project. With a total volume of 8.2 million euros, of which 6.7 million euros come from the Coal Regions Investment Act, the project shows how important the focus on youth and education is in the region. In addition to two new extensions, a multifunctional cafeteria with 120 seats will also be available in the future, which will significantly improve the learning environment.

But that's not all: the new main entrance and the installation of an elevator ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, can use the facility without any problems. This is in line with the aspirations of the *Barrier-Free Building Guide*, which emphasizes the need to make buildings accessible to all people, regardless of motor, visual or cognitive limitations. The new premises are to be built barrier-free, which not only meets the legal requirements of the Disability Equality Act of 2016, but also meets social demands for inclusion, according to the concept set out in the guidelines.

Focus on sustainability

Another central aspect of the expansion project is sustainability. The plan is to use air/water/heat pumps as well as photovoltaic systems to guarantee an energy-efficient supply. In addition, a modern ventilation system ensures a healthy indoor climate. In his speech, the district administrator emphasized the immense importance of vocational training in Elsterwerda and emphasized the need to offer students a modern place to learn.

The first construction phase at the Feldstrasse location was completed in November 2024. With the topping-out ceremony, the second construction phase will now be visibly advanced, with the completion of the entire project, which is scheduled for June 2026. These developments are important not only for the region but also in the larger context of demographic change and inclusive planning.

Trends in barrier-free construction

The importance of barrier-free construction is also illustrated by the *bfb trend study 2025*, which is dedicated to the challenge of infrastructure planning in an aging society. This study, launched in 2024, is intended to collect current data on the experiences and challenges of barrier-free construction and update the findings from the last five years. Experts from planning, architecture and construction management are invited to take part in the survey, the results of which will be published in spring 2025. Taking accessibility into account is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage and is more than ever part of the legal framework, as the study shows.

Overall, the expansion of the OSZ Elbe-Elster is sending a strong signal, both in terms of training and the region's building culture awareness.