Innovation and Educational Center International School of Prague
The International School of Prague (ISP) campus in Nebušice has been continuously evolving since its establishment in 1997. Last year, ISP decided to give its school library a significant refresh. To develop the design, they chose the architectural studio Perspektiv. They designed a modern and inspiring space for an innovation and educational center that reflects the demands of a changing world. The space is enlivened by the work of internationally acclaimed illustrator Petr Sís.
Innovative space for project-oriented learning
The purpose that the library previously served has changed and evolved – the advent of digital media, 3D printing, and virtual or augmented reality has further amplified this process. The main change is the integration of different types of learning into one multifunctional space. The innovation and educational center unifies the library, study area, and workshop with an integrated living staircase. "Thanks to our close relationship with the agile school leadership, we were able to realize a bold and strong vision of the 'new learning' concept. The goal was to bring maximum visual transparency and design furniture with an emphasis on the diverse ergonomics of children," add architects Antal and Stára. Specialists in library creation from Great Britain were also invited to the project, who consulted with the architects on the requirements of 21st-century librarianship. Thus, a strong team was formed, which enabled the project to be completed on time despite the unfavorable circumstances associated with the pandemic.
What is the purpose of books?
Libraries have undergone a significant transformation in recent years due to digitization. Therefore, the main open library area does not function as a traditional library but rather as a labyrinth of knowledge. Its arrangement guides visitors through the space and offers them a place to study or meet classmates. The library shelves were designed with an emphasis on flexibility and are equipped with wheels and a variable shelf arrangement. An important theme of the project was acoustic and lighting comfort. Acoustic panels shaped like paper swallows are complemented by an enlarged reproduction of the labyrinth from the book "Ptačí sněm" by Petr Sís. These dynamic sculptures enliven the space and add lightness and playfulness.
Idea-Lab, the workshop of the future
Theoretical learning is complemented by the school workshop of the future, called Idea-Lab. Here, students can use 3D printers, CNC routers, and laser cutters. The Idea-Lab space is visually connected to the library, creating a natural synergy between education and subsequent practice. Just like the rest of the innovation and educational center, the workshop is furnished with an emphasis on flexibility; tables can be moved around the space, and unusual ceiling winches provide electrification.
Study room inspired by co-working
The open space of the mezzanine with an informal environment is designed as a reading room or meeting place. The architects borrowed inspiration from office designs and added soundproof call boxes to the space. The reading/study room, as a representative of an informal environment, is enlivened by a large view into the library space. The largest room on the first floor does not have a clearly dedicated function. This multifunctional space can serve as a meeting room, video conference room, or lecture hall.
Fewer colors for more calm and focus
Behind the refined result lies a simple idea – a place where people and books can communicate with each other. The connection that occurs between the reader and the book deserves not to be disturbed. "In our design, we focused on creating a pleasant, calming atmosphere that offers optimal conditions for this dialogue," the architects add. The space, which is meant to stimulate, is dominated by muted colors and natural materials. Shades of white and gray are reflected in the vinyl flooring and recycled carpets from Interface. Natural materials are represented by oak veneer that forms the cladding of the living staircase and acoustic panels on the walls. Bright colors are accentuated by colorful seating furniture from Vitra and Sancal.
The design by the architects from Perspektiv maximizes the function of the innovation and educational center as an information source and community hub open to all students, staff, and parents of the school. "It is much more than just a library – the ISP educational and innovation center encourages reading and research but also provides an inspiring space for designing, collaboration, innovation, and future creation," says ISP Director Dr. Arnie Bieber. The library and Idea-Lab spaces at ISP are divided into zones that serve for meeting, learning, and discovery. They subtly blend into the background, not disturbing, but stimulating. The project preparation was designed so that the actual implementation took place during the summer holidays. Thus, the innovative and educational center opened for students at the beginning of September and was a pleasant welcome to the new school year.
Innovative space for project-oriented learning
The purpose that the library previously served has changed and evolved – the advent of digital media, 3D printing, and virtual or augmented reality has further amplified this process. The main change is the integration of different types of learning into one multifunctional space. The innovation and educational center unifies the library, study area, and workshop with an integrated living staircase. "Thanks to our close relationship with the agile school leadership, we were able to realize a bold and strong vision of the 'new learning' concept. The goal was to bring maximum visual transparency and design furniture with an emphasis on the diverse ergonomics of children," add architects Antal and Stára. Specialists in library creation from Great Britain were also invited to the project, who consulted with the architects on the requirements of 21st-century librarianship. Thus, a strong team was formed, which enabled the project to be completed on time despite the unfavorable circumstances associated with the pandemic.
What is the purpose of books?
Libraries have undergone a significant transformation in recent years due to digitization. Therefore, the main open library area does not function as a traditional library but rather as a labyrinth of knowledge. Its arrangement guides visitors through the space and offers them a place to study or meet classmates. The library shelves were designed with an emphasis on flexibility and are equipped with wheels and a variable shelf arrangement. An important theme of the project was acoustic and lighting comfort. Acoustic panels shaped like paper swallows are complemented by an enlarged reproduction of the labyrinth from the book "Ptačí sněm" by Petr Sís. These dynamic sculptures enliven the space and add lightness and playfulness.
Idea-Lab, the workshop of the future
Theoretical learning is complemented by the school workshop of the future, called Idea-Lab. Here, students can use 3D printers, CNC routers, and laser cutters. The Idea-Lab space is visually connected to the library, creating a natural synergy between education and subsequent practice. Just like the rest of the innovation and educational center, the workshop is furnished with an emphasis on flexibility; tables can be moved around the space, and unusual ceiling winches provide electrification.
Study room inspired by co-working
The open space of the mezzanine with an informal environment is designed as a reading room or meeting place. The architects borrowed inspiration from office designs and added soundproof call boxes to the space. The reading/study room, as a representative of an informal environment, is enlivened by a large view into the library space. The largest room on the first floor does not have a clearly dedicated function. This multifunctional space can serve as a meeting room, video conference room, or lecture hall.
Fewer colors for more calm and focus
Behind the refined result lies a simple idea – a place where people and books can communicate with each other. The connection that occurs between the reader and the book deserves not to be disturbed. "In our design, we focused on creating a pleasant, calming atmosphere that offers optimal conditions for this dialogue," the architects add. The space, which is meant to stimulate, is dominated by muted colors and natural materials. Shades of white and gray are reflected in the vinyl flooring and recycled carpets from Interface. Natural materials are represented by oak veneer that forms the cladding of the living staircase and acoustic panels on the walls. Bright colors are accentuated by colorful seating furniture from Vitra and Sancal.
The design by the architects from Perspektiv maximizes the function of the innovation and educational center as an information source and community hub open to all students, staff, and parents of the school. "It is much more than just a library – the ISP educational and innovation center encourages reading and research but also provides an inspiring space for designing, collaboration, innovation, and future creation," says ISP Director Dr. Arnie Bieber. The library and Idea-Lab spaces at ISP are divided into zones that serve for meeting, learning, and discovery. They subtly blend into the background, not disturbing, but stimulating. The project preparation was designed so that the actual implementation took place during the summer holidays. Thus, the innovative and educational center opened for students at the beginning of September and was a pleasant welcome to the new school year.
The English translation is powered by AI tool. Switch to Czech to view the original text source.
1 comment
add comment
Subject
Author
Date
paráda
betonář
02.03.21 08:23
show all comments
