Assignment

Most of the Russian schools built in the last century were four-story structures on a small footprint where K to 12 were distributed vertically. Such schools had narrow hallways and no place for students to socialize in winter. Students from different grades and of different ages were mixing together, which often negatively influenced the younger students.

We were tasked to challenge the established paradigm and bring school typology closer to the international standards.

Program

The building is broadly divided into two sections - school and Commons. The Commons section contains a gymnasium, an auditorium, after-school clubs, and generally is more connected to the community at large. The school section is for students only and contains classrooms and labs.

The school section is further divided into three wings by age. The wings are spread out on the site as opposed to being stacked on top of one another. Each wing has its own indoor and outdoor recreation area for students to socialize and rest between classes.

All sections and wings are connected with a continuous spine of indoor circulation, essential for winter climates.

Concept

A continuous ribbon of skylights mirrors the circulation patterns throughout the building and links the skylights of indoor recreation areas together. This move draws inspiration from rivers and lakes. Students would metaphorically sail down the river, stopping at the safety of the different lakes along their path, until they are ready to cross the River Delta and enter the ocean.

All the skylights in the building have different shapes and mullion patterns, giving each space below a distinct and memorable look and feel.