HOK's design for Haileybury School in Kazakhstan
In 2006 Haileybury School (Herts) decided to broaden its reach to Kazakhstan. As the first British ‘branded’ school to ever expand into the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) it was a hugely exciting commission for HOK. The site is situated to the south of Almaty at the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains. The design allows for extremes of climate and seismic instability.
The design includes four formal teaching blocks, joined by three atria to allow for informal, self-directed learning spaces within the building. The school is designed for an intake of 640 pupils aged 5-18 years and it will prepare pupils for IGCSE and International Baccalaureate examinations.
Stefan Jakobek, Head of Education has led the design team and has a wealth of experience designing educational buildings and the challenges that come with it. A firm believer in creating ‘effective places to learn’, he is a convenor of the RIBA Schools forum, a member of the DfES Schools Design Quality Council and a trustee of Learning Through Landscapes, a charity campaigning on behalf of all children for better outdoor environments in education and childcare.
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