GEMS World School

Narratives

Knowledge Village

As the school is no longer a container of singular learning activity but a multi-dimensional process, this premium standard educational facility is envisioned as the place where students will experience the total learning experience hence defined as a Learning Heaven. The concept of sharing and exchanging between clusters of learning hubs gives birth to a communal learning environment - the Knowledge Village. It sets a new paradigm to reflect the latest thinking in education and a new benchmark for schools for the future through its state-of-the-art and cutting edge facilities.

From Kindergarten level to Grade 12, this international school accommodates 2440 pupils in 4.2 ha site. Sandwiched between 2 main roads and built in this elongated site, the architecture successfully addresses the context by creating a footprint that allows multiple frontages to the neighbouring context and the roads.

Creating a Phenomenon

The building is more than just a pretty shell. It combines spatial and programmatic stimulation with physical clarity and excitement into a coherent and imageable whole.

The architecture is inspired by the poetic undulations of the sand dunes. The building captures this through its meandering form and flowing roof, softening the otherwise harsh environment. Nestled within this dunes-cape are multiple oases - the centers of learning. Reminiscent of the desert skyline, the facade is punctuated by light-boxes which glow like precious stones at sunset and coloured blue to reflect its local picturesque sky.

The spatial organization is like a learning journey akin to a voyage of discovery. Activity is intertwined with circulation which expands into large spaces for communal activities or contracts into smaller spaces for more intimate learning. The result is an activity ‘river’ that pulsates dynamically through the learning oases - always in a state of programmatic flux.

Using Creative Programming

Creative programming facilitates new learning methods and environments. This involves designing for flexibility and fluidity. However, it is not merely about creating open spaces in which almost any activity can happen. Doing this would only strip the space of its character and value. Thus, the school’s facilities are organized into Centres, such as Administration Centre, Knowledge Centre, Science and Technology Centre, Sports Centre and Arts Centre. Hence maximizing efficiency and ensuring co-existence of these spaces.

Within each centre, spaces can be reorganized and transformed for other or multiple uses - both temporary and permanent. This is achieved by combining small spaces, dissecting larger ones or reconfiguring them. Each centre is not an isolated entity. Programmatic and spatial fluidity occurs at the interface of centres - these are social spaces where informal learning can take place, thus enabling a seamless flow throughout the environment.

For example, dissolving corridor as an activity ‘river’ with constant movement and interaction; classroom as learning studios to stimulate new learning environment; learning suites that promotes sharing of studios; learning cluster/communities to encourage informal discussions; mobile technology with wireless networking; connections to the outdoors to enable indoor-outdoor activities to take place.

Creating A Total Learning Environment

This school will offer an unparalleled learning environment and opportunities for students and their families when it opens in 2007 in Al Barsha South, Dubai.

The school will be the epitome of outstanding international education with its innovative programs, unique pro-parent outreach, exceptional faculty, internationally competitive academic offerings and world-class facilities equipped with state of the art technology.

This flagship school will debut the region’s first wraparound day, where students and their families can participate in on-campus activities before and after traditional school hours as well as eating together. Therefore, the range of educational and leisure facilities is a rich mixture of traditionally school and contemporary ‘edutainment’. Families will benefit from public spaces that encourage open access to the school building and the reputation of its provider as the leading thinker in hospitality and service as an integral part of a modern education.

The design of the building is evocative of the desert landscape and creates a light and awe inspiring space for the school community.

Discovery World is at the heart of the school. The large open resource library are provides for a range of individual, small group and whole class teaching spaces. Discovery World sets out to make enquiry a natural part of the school learning adventure every students enjoys. Surrounding the library are two elementary science rooms, robotics lab, art room, design technology room and a 60 seat planetarium. There will also be a range of interactive learning exhibits adding inspiration and excitement to Discovery World.

The planetarium is the focal point for cosmology curriculum that will be offered throughout the school. The opportunity for students to develop their understanding of the universe will enable all learners to better understand and appreciate the fragility of their planet to encourage learning of their responsibilities as world citizens.

Study of the performing arts will be showcased in the 660 seat auditorium. In phase one the community will have access to music and practice rooms, music technology suites, post-video editing suites, and sound stage for digital video recording, dance studio, drama room fitted. The technology and infrastructure has been designed in consultation with industry standards in mind with the needs of learners championed by experienced music educators.

The campus will also house a range of sports facilities, including a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, 400-metre athletic track, synthetic sports pitch, squash and tennis courts, fitness centre and the regions first indoor skiing simulators in a school setting. This will be further developed to include a climbing wall that is the starting point of the education outside the classroom programme that integrates social and citizenship development.

Learning zones are spacious with break-out spaces and small group technology. The school will also offer students unique opportunities to develop their critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding skills. A daily Time2Think program will offer structured time for students to listen to, reflect on, discuss and debate topics ranging from personal development to current affairs and world news. Students will also have access to a rooftop ‘Peace Garden’ a space designated for reflection and contemplation.