Learning

Greenwood Academy

Brief

The original project brief called for the refurbishment and extension of the existing Greenwood Academy to provide twenty first century accommodation for fifteen hundred pupils.  In considering the options, we quickly came to the conclusion that an entirely new school could be constructed within the constraints of the project's budget and that this would better serve the needs of the pupils both now and in the future.

Response

Our desire was to create a new, modern school that avoided the traditional long corridor and classroom arrangement, a feature of the old building. Functional teaching spaces are arranged around a central flexible multi-purpose area and internal landscaped courtyard, creating a sense of community within the school and offering an atmosphere more conducive to modern learning.  The heart of the building, in responding to the pupils' social and catering needs, is also designed to be the focus for community activities which are an important consideration for parents and pupils.  The central link accommodates the library at first floor, with a semi open plan art department and gallery above affording views in two directions and to the street below.  A triangular central courtyard allows much needed light to penetrate the building, providing daylight to the inner classrooms and enlivening an otherwise deep plan through views into and across the courtyard.  All of the ground floor social spaces open onto this also, providing a sheltered and sensitively landscaped area for both staff and pupils throughout the day.

Outcome

Following the completion of the new school, the old school building was demolished to make way for new sports facilities. These included all weather and grass pitches and were designed so that they could be used at all times by both the school and local sports organisations. The wide use of the sporting facilities at Greenwood by the community is testament to the Council's close liaison with stakeholders and provides a valuable asset to both the school and surrounding area. The new Greenwood Academy was opened towards the end of 2007 by ex-pupil Nicola Sturgeon MSP.

Team