Since its inception RGS Guildford Dubai has been setting the standard for sustainability in education, becoming the first BREEAM-rated project and the first nearly zero energy school in the Middle East.
We are proud that our school and its architecture have now been featured in the recently published book Community Schools: Designing for sustainability, wellbeing and inclusion, a book which reconsiders what is required from physical school environments to meet new social, environmental and economic challenges.
Under the chapter entitled Indicators & Evaluation, the design of RGS Guildford Dubai, which caters from Early Years through to Sixth Form, is praised both for referencing its 500 year old founding school, RGS Guildford in its architecture, and for its eco-conscious design and construction.
The book references how the building’s design, which was led by Bogle Architects with input from the partnership between RGS Guildford and Cognita, is a direct response to the marriage of historical values, local regulations and climate. Examples of the school’s design features include the stepped exterior of the building, which effectively shades each floor below to keep the whole building cool; the large trees and green walls which adorn the walls in the impressive atrium which offers both physical and visual connectivity between year groups and the naturally ventilated and fully accessible pool.
Community Schools: Designing for sustainability, wellbeing and inclusion | RIBA Books
