Apollo Studio Academy
Design
The Academy was to be housed in a previously undeveloped wing of East Durham College’s Peterlee Campus, which was designed by Jefferson Sheard in 2008. It was important to design a layout that would be flexible and contemporary, offering the feel of a ‘hub’ – a place for collaboration and the exchange of ideas – an environment conducive to project-based learning and social interaction. The main focus of the design was for the open project learning area to be presented immediately upon arrival to the space.
Build
Instead of using solid walls, screens break up the open space. Coloured motifs applied in film to these screens provide an element of privacy, and the ‘cubist’ motif is an extension of the College’s branding, aiding visual wayfinding to the Academy through the College.
“This is a modern, vibrant and professional working environment for the students which will be stimulating as well as practical.”
Kim Williams, Interior Designer, Jefferson Sheard Architects
In-use
It has been so pleasing to hear such great feedback from the end users. We set out to provide a future-proofed design to accommodate technological and pedagogical change – a very common brief from our Higher Education clients, and increasingly from our Further Education clients. It has been enjoyable to collaborate with the staff of the new school and we are excited to have designed a professional, social and work-place learning environment which will serve many generations to come.