The hexagon is one of the more perfect forms, especially since it occurs naturally in nature. Industrious bees, creatures perhaps the best organized of all animals, are responsible for its creation! It has also been known for a long time that Mother Nature is one of the best teachers. The architects of Konior Studio know this too!
Bee values such as industriousness, building social relationships and caring for the environment guided not only the design of the school, but also constitute the core values of the Niepolomice facility. The {tag:Studio} proposed its concept for the Lady Sue Ryder Community Elementary School in 2012. Three years later it was developed, but was already being implemented in further stages without the office's author's supervision, but by the general contractor's team. Despite the many changes that affected the perception of the project, it managed to maintain the overall tone - the association with the beehive. This is a simple, yet extremely strong motif in form and expression.
Hexagonal classrooms
The facility consists of hexagonal modules - the main one being a hexagonal classroom cell. Each of them has independent facilities, a toilet and direct access to its own garden. This shape of the room promotes student integration. To meet the requirements of the space, special furniture was designed for each room, allowing any arrangement.
Characteristic classrooms are not the only specific solution at the Niepolomice school. The idea of creating a community was shown by creating small enclaves in front of the entrances to the classrooms and the auditorium located in the center. In typical educational institutions, the only places for inter-classroom integration are the corridors.
Lady Sue Ryder High School in Niepołomice
photo courtesy of Konior Studio
School-ul
The architects have not forgotten the needs of the modern student. Many of them get to school on their own, often by bicycle or scooter. A plaza was designed in front of the building with racks for student vehicles, which are protected by a roof placed over them, as well as seating areas and a driveway and parking zone.
The building consists of two wings - each of which houses six classrooms along with support spaces. The western section is connected along its entire length to a two-story administration building, while the eastern section is connected to a gymnasium with facilities. The hexagonal plan of the classrooms allows the school to expand with more such rooms. The architects envisioned the addition of another six classrooms, an independent kindergarten building and an "under the cloud" school field.
Thewooden facade reinforces the natural message of the school's concept, and harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.
