Superclass, Acland Burghley School

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.