The New Westminster City Academy Inspires Learning

Building Design Online takes a tour of the new Westminster City Academy in London by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. The design of the school is getting high marks from students, residents, and critics. The architects considered all aspects of the schools location and use in developing the design. The signature green exterior was chosen to contrast all the other drab grey concrete towers surrounding the site and implies growth.

Inside, a bright central atrium allow for free flowing movement and a central gathering place for students. The architects paid special attention to high use areas like the cafeteria and the lavatories. They consulted with a manufacturer to make the lavatories ‘bully proof’ by having doors at both ends so no one could be blocked in.

Check out the walk-thru video BD Online has posted. It includes some comments from the architects and school administrators. Honestly we’d like to see more attention like this paid to the design of schools in the future.