Superclass, Acland Burghley School

Studio Cullinan And Buck Architects Ltd (SCABAL), London, 2010

 

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The Superclass can hold up to 90 pupils at one time, allowing them to follow a project-based curriculum in one space 

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  • The Superclass can hold up to 90 pupils at one time, allowing them to follow a project-based curriculum in one space    
  • View from classroom area    
  • Playroom and discussion forum    
  • Sofa area and computer station    
  • Workshop area    
  • Red cafe area    
  • Reused furniture    
  • Group room in corridor    
  • Lighting    
  • Floor plan    
  • Cross section    

Refurbishment of an assembly hall into a 'Superclass' for a school in Camden, London

The Superclass is an intermediary BSF project for Acland Burghley Secondary School in Camden, a refurbishment project of an underused assembly hall transformed into an innovatory and experimental teaching/learning laboratory.

The project provides a 490m2 space where different learning methods can be developed and observed in order to inform the school’s requirements for their brief for Phase 2 of Camden’s BSF Programme. The Superclass acts as a large teaching area where up to 90 pupils can follow a project-based curriculum and work in groups of differing sizes as well as coming together for plenary sessions.

SCABAL had to re-invent the existing space without involving unnecessary new-build work. This was perceived as an opportunity to develop an innovative concept that responded to the school’s needs and resources. By rescuing old and disposed in-house furniture, introducing new circular opening and creating a new lighting atmosphere, they have provided a new life cycle to what would otherwise be obsolete.

Data

  • Begun: Sep 2009
  • Completed: 2010
  • Floor area: 490m2
  • Sector: Education
  • Total cost: £105,000
  • Procurement: JCT Minor Works Building Contract with Contractor's Design
  • Address: Acland Burghley School, 93 Burghley Road, London, NW5 1UJ, United Kingdom

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