Page 24 - School Planning & Management, December 2017

EDUCATION DESIGN SHOWCASE • PK-12
PROJECT OF DISTINCTION
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL OF HOUSTON
NORD ANGLIA EDUCATION KATY, TX
THE DRAMATIC facade of British International School of Houston (BISH) serves as testament to a design effort focused on transparency and connectivity. As part of one of the world’s leading premium schools organiza- tions, BISH collaborates with organizations such as MIT and The Julliard School to deliver a comprehensive global curriculum. With the design of its Houston cam- pus, BISH students now have a dynamic new partner—the building.
Walking through the entrance, a four-story atrium greets students with a view of everything the school
has to offer. An extensive use of glass provides views into maker spaces, science laboratories, and a design technology center where students participate in hands-on problem solving. At the center of the atrium
is the second-floor research commons, called the Agora, which serves architecturally and philosophically as the hub of the school.
BISH has a strong focus on educating the whole child. A Performing Arts Center supports the school’s partnership with The Julliard School, and an Aquatics Center and outdoor sports fields serve the school and community.
Since opening in 2016, teachers and students have praised the campus, with Principal Andrew Derry calling BISH, “The most ped- agogically-advanced school building in the world.”
ARCHITECT
Fanning Howey + House Partners DANIEL MADER,
AIA, ALEP, LEED-AP 800/452-3573
PROJECT INFORMATION
CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Andrew Derry
COMPLETION DATE
August 2016
GROSS AREA
280,000 sq. ft.
AREA PER STUDENT
175 sq. ft.
SITE SIZE
33 acres
CURRENT ENROLLMENT
1,600 students
CAPACITY
2,000 students
COST PER STUDENT
$29,000
COST PER SQ. FT.
$207.14
TOTAL COST
$58,000,000
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
Good collaborative learning spaces. Resembles high-ed facility which is great for
the upper-grade students. School’s transparency allows instructors to see into class- rooms and monitor students.
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2017 EDUCATION DESIGN SHOWCASE