A School in the Park

Location: Amman, Jordan
Type: Educational
Client: Ahliyyah School for Girls & Bishop’s School for Boys
Year: 2019

Winner of World Architecture Festival – future education project of the Year award, 2019.
Winner of World Architecture Festival – ethics and values awards, 2019.

The design of the new unified campus for ASG and BSA, two historic schools in Amman, represents a forward-thinking approach to education, balancing respect for the schools’ legacy with the needs of a modern, adaptable learning environment. Set on a plateau with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, the site offers a sloping topography that allows for a dynamic relationship between the school and its natural environment. This location, free from the constraints of urban congestion, provides the space necessary to create a school that meets the aspirations of a future-focused education. The design is anchored in four key attributes: collaborative reflection, outdoor interaction, flexible learning spaces, and the integration of nature. These principles guide the creation of a school that fosters creativity, innovation, and a deep connection to the environment.

The architectural concept emphasizes openness, with a design that elevates learning spaces to create a visual and physical connection with the surrounding landscape. The school is organized around three main elements: pillars that symbolize the core values of the school, elevated learning pods that serve as incubators of knowledge, and anchored spaces that root the school firmly within its site. These elements work together to create an interactive ground floor—described as a “park floor”—where creative and transparent functions promote a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor activities. The design also incorporates key elements from the schools’ historical identity, such as stone walls, courtyards, and trees, ensuring that the memory of the original campuses is preserved within the new environment.

Access to the school is thoughtfully designed with three entrances, each offering a different experience. The park level, which forms the heart of the school’s interactive spaces, is a flexible, open area that supports various learning models and activities. The incorporation of natural light and sustainable design elements, such as provisions for solar panels, further enhances the school’s adaptability and future readiness.
Key spaces within the school, such as the library, studios, and mini-theater, are strategically placed to foster a sense of transparency and interaction, while the nursery and kindergarten areas are designed to be intimately connected with the outdoors, embodying the playful and innovative spirit of early education. The design also addresses practical challenges, such as accommodating 410 cars and 72 buses in a manner that prioritizes student safety, and providing flexible learning spaces that can evolve with changing educational needs.

In conclusion, the proposed design for the ASG and BSA unified campus is a contemporary interpretation of educational architecture that bridges the past and future. It delivers on the schools’ aspirations by creating a vibrant, adaptable learning environment that nurtures both students and teachers, while honoring the schools’ rich history and cultural values.

Watch animation here A School in a Park

A living classroom where education is not a system but a journey – Sir Ken Robinson