Gareth Hoskins Architects: 21st Century School

Scottish Schools : images supplied by Gareth Hoskins Architects Clackmannanshire Schools PPP - Building Information Clackmannanshire Council is keen that good design informs the PPP process for its three new secondary schools, so it appointed Gareth Hoskins Architects , along with two other architectural practices in October 2003, to offer ideas. With the help of educational consultant, David Harvey, we looked at various generic education models and their shortcomings then developed our own, based on the brief and current thinking such as the Schools for the Future exemplar projects. The answer seemed to be 'schools within schools' - about a year's intake of 200 students in an educational Big Brother House. We called them 'learning hubs'. Students need only leave their earning hub to visit facilities which the hub does not have, like laboratories or the gym. Teachers, for all but specialised subjects, go to the students in their hub. Science & Technology, Health and Performing & Visual Arts would also be learning hubs but as community facilities open to both students and the public. The school's hub would be a street or square which links learning hubs, community facilities and the school's front door around a flexible social and educational space. Gareth Hoskins Architects looked at how the Learning Hub School model would work as a group of buildings related to each other and their surroundings. The council offered a site which it has earmarked for a new Alloa Academy, and the grounds of Lornshill Academy, whose existing buildings may have to be demolished, to try it out. Our 'hubs and streets' approach seems to work. Gareth Hoskins Architects: Scottish Schools - Building information gm+ad architects' school - building PR: Clackmannanshire Schools 21st Century Scottish Schools : RIAS PR Also by Gareth Hoskins Architects: Sandy Road Clinic Scottish School - Shetland, by Gareth Hoskins Architects