Journal of the Almost Architect: Back to School - A look at Architecture in Educational Environments

Adding to Existing Conditions, St Mary's Island C of E School, Chatham, Kent.
Image copyright of CC Studio Architects Ltd.

As part of my professional experience I have had the opportunity to work on a number of different School expansion projects. I have analysed different sites, existing buildings and looked into the potential for development on our local Schools, during a time of which demand for pupil places is increasing. I have gained an appreciation for designing for young children and also I have become aware of successful, sometimes international educational projects.

Forming enclosure around an old oak tree, Bedales School Art and Design Building
by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. Image from
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios website

A series of pitched roofs with lattice timber screens. There is a blurred line
between inside and outside, this softened edge to the building, intends to make it more
welcoming on approach. Images from Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

Brightly coloured window shutters contrast against the warm red brick building,
Gando Primary School by Diébédo Francis Kéré

Clay is readily available in the region, bricks are therefore cheap to produce with
the added advantage of thermal protection against the hot weather.
The overhanging tin roof creates shade.

A dry-stacked brick ceiling encourages cool air to enter the building through
the windows and hot air to leave through the perforations in the ceiling.
Images from kere-architecture.com

Canopies amongst the trees, Mellor Primary School by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects
Image from architectsjournal.co.uk

A collage of timber cladding, image from architectsjournal.co.uk

Braamcamp Freire Secondary School outside Lisbon by Portuguese
Architects CVDB Arquitectos, images from dezeen.com

Bold primary colours breathe life into the concrete facade of this school extension

A series of existing dispersed units are linked into a single building with a centralised courtyard.
The rehabilitation of the school was part of a Portuguese initiative, "Modernisation of
Secondary Schools Programme". Images from dezeen.com

Bin Duong School by Vo Ttrong Nghia. Cage-like balconies create a
breathing facade for the school, protecting classrooms from harsh sunlight
and tropical rain. Image from dezeen.com

And just to finish, here is a small selection of extensions and new buildings I have worked on with CC Studio Architects Ltd as part of my professional experience.