Video: Back to school with timber - consultation in schools and timber design

The Architecture Foundation initiative 'SchoolWorks' sought to examine how school buildings relate to school standards and affect the self-esteem, morale and pride of the school community, shaping the possibility of teaching a 21st-century curriculum. Kingsdale School in Southwark is a groundbreaking project with a number of firsts, including a new kind of social and programmed education space. The project is recognised by central government as a unique model of national relevance and is funded by DfES.

The proposal exploits the potential of the existing building, and superimposes a new roof over the internal courtyard, offering new dining facilities, assembly/performance space, improved circulation, and social and house based activities. Classrooms are reorientated, dual aspect with improved ventilation.

Within this largest space ever created in a British school, learning will go beyond the curriculum and include an auditorium 'pod', a 1000-student assembly area, and dining facilities cool enough to 'chill' in. Aerial walkways, bridge and stairs make circulation connections and 'useful art' by Atelier van Lieshout will provide extraordinary furnishings

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