Stamford American International School

The new campus, at Stamford American International School is a significant facility accommodating a population of approx. 2,700 students ranging from ages two to 18. The project was conceived in two major phases located to the west and east of the elevated playing field. The architectural form evolved in response to the design principles, the brief and the constrained site. A rectilinear series of functional forms is rationally arranged to create a balance of built form and open space, reaching out and integrating with the symbolic heart of the school campus which runs through the centre of the site – the play deck, the playing field and the newly constructed ‘Stamford Yard ‘. The architectural form is simple yet strong and provides a clear message of a functional and sustainable campus with a strong sense of identity. There is a distinct commitment to the relationship between architecture and pedagogy.

The design principles of the campus have been delivered with attention to the development of a vibrant vertical shared zone used for circulation, flexible teaching and breakout spaces. Within the school the students experience a seamless transition from classrooms to interior and exterior shared learning spaces. A full range of educational facilities are provided which include classrooms arranged in learning clusters, specialist learning facilities including music and dance studios, art and technology facilities, state of the art science labs, the Innovation Centre – a multi media facility for presentation, discussion and collaboration, two libraries, a 500 seat fully raked theatre, internal and external cafeterias, two double gymnasiums with fitness rooms and a climbing wall, a golf simulation centre, two swimming pools, an artificial sporting field, and undercover parking and bus bays. l. The intersections of these spaces blur a nd merge together to encourage the movement of different ages students and provide spaces for informal gathering and play.

The teaching spaces are light and airy with good view-lines. Technology is fully integrated into the environment, supporting the vision of the school in its 1 to 1 use of technology from early grades throughout the school. Rooms are arranged in clusters with common areas that support grade levels or subject based meetings. Spaces are light and airy with quiet, due to the extensive use of carpeting that lends to a serious academic environment. Visibility throughout the campus is a strong element and adds to the openness and accountability of all in the teaching and learning process.