Um Bock School receives its Award

On 6 February 2026, the German Design Awards celebrated excellence in design in Frankfurt, welcoming around 1,300 international guests. The event highlighted the role of design as a driver of innovation and economic success, recognising outstanding projects in architecture, communication design and product design.

Steve Weyland, Partner at Metaform and lead architect of the project, accepted the award alongside architect Carolin Pompelle. We are honoured to join designers, agencies, companies and architecture studios from 57 countries and grateful to receive recognition for a building praised for its construction, material selection, durability and functional logic.

The jury’s statement noted the distinctive and identity-forming character of the Um Bock School, emphasising how it preserves the site’s history while uniting it with a contemporary, participatory approach. They described the project as “remarkable benchmark for public spaces”, praising its consistent appreciation of existing structures and the community.

Sustainability was central to the project, achieved through the careful preservation of the original structure and the authentic materials and aged patina of the school. Long-term sustainability is further supported by flexible and adaptable spaces that accommodate evolving educational needs, reducing the frequency of future renovations. This approach minimises demolition waste and embodied carbon, demonstrating how a retrofit can successfully combine environmental responsibility, heritage preservation and social engagement within a resilient and future-proof design strategy.