NEWSWORTHY
CURRO DIGI-ED, DELFT
The world is changing so rapidly, and most current traditional schools are not sufficiently
preparing learners for the 21st century – but the Curro Digi-Ed model aims to change all
of that. Based on a technologically inclined e-learning curriculum to prepare learners for
the fourth industrial revolution, Digi-Ed focuses on teaching through project-based learning
programmes, which are emphasised by the subjects of Science, Mathematics and Technology.
Curro approaches education differently, so they needed an innovative architectural firm
to design their new expansion in Delft, appointing BPAS Architects as being up for the
task. Their brief was to create a space that would challenge the traditional classroom and
its teaching mediums and facilities, as their learning material is predominantly delivered
through digital channels.
BPAS Architects split the programming of the building into two levels. Only a small admin
component was needed due to the small size of the teaching staff, which was situated at
the entrance to the building, with an informal cafeteria and gathering space linked behind it.
Three distinctive staircases link the gathering space, with the open plan teaching area above it.
Each space is clearly defined by visual thresholds, although open in nature. This allows
the school to be adaptable, with the teachers/facilitators having the opportunity to rearrange
the classes according to their needs. Furniture and services are also designed for flexibility
and allow areas to be reorganised as necessary. The typology of the traditional school was
challenged in the process, creating a ‘decorated shed’, featuring the internal functionality
and adaptability of the digital age.
BPAS mainly incorporated robust, low maintenance materials to clad the building, with
the roof elements blurring the boundaries between wall, roof and window. The materials
palette included a selection of hardy materials that suit the robust nature of Delft, namely
concrete, blocks, containers and steel. The building makes use of a prominent clerestory
window on the Southern façade to provide natural lighting in the open plan teaching space.
The playful use of bright colours further enhances the gathering spaces on the building façade.
The building has an active urban edge with a safe inner courtyard, addressing both the
urban fabric and its environmental conditions. The initial building will form part of a series
of spaces and will hopefully act as an urban catalyst for the larger future development of
the entire area.
The vision to bring a digital school into Delft emphasises how all of us acknowledge
the value of education, with this building being based on the principle of human-centred
architecture − in a peri urban space.
The team consisted of Design Architect Ian Cox, Project Architect Theo Gutter and
Salmon Smith. www.bpas.co.za
GBCSA APPOINTS
SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT
GBCSA is delighted to announce
the appointment of Lisa Reynolds
as CEO from June 2020.
Reynolds is a long-time
champion of sustainable, green
building practices. Reynolds was
co-founder of the Green Building
Design Group, the Sustainability
Development Executive at Saint-
Gobain and Chair of the SANS
Energy Efficiency Standards in
Buildings initiative.
With the aim of increasing her
direct contribution to the growth of
the Green Economy, Reynolds was
President of the Southern African
Energy Efficiency Confederation
and is the serving Past President.
Reynolds has a proven track record
with GBCSA, which includes
serving on the first Technical
Working Group for the Green Star
SA rating tool, as well as the Board
of Directors. She is responsible
for re-energising and positioning
the organisation for a sustainable
future in uncertain times.
The GBCSA’s rating tools provide a
fundamental platform to measure
and reduce the environmental
impact of buildings and, steered
by Reynolds, the GBCSA is
confident that their agenda will be
more relevant than ever.
“In this time of COVID-19, as we
emerge from lockdown, we must
establish a strategy of green
recovery and local value-added
solutions. The effect of climate
change remains one of our biggest
challenges. Healthier, resource
efficient buildings and places are
vital,” says Reynolds.
News Watch 7