Al Falah School

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education & Knowledge (ADEK) mandated Aldar to manage the development of a series of prototype schools in Abu Dhabi. KEO was selected as the design consultant, leveraging their extensive experience in conceptualizing and executing successful school designs. Including a series of charter schools across the UAE for ADEK.

Objective: To design and develop a prototype school fostering educational excellence and nurturing future generations through innovative and motivational environments.

School Program: Located in Abu Dhabi, accommodates 2,560 students with mirrored spaces for each gender for the following educational cycles:

Kindergarten

Cycle 1 - Grades 1 to 5 (ages 6 to 10)

Cycle 2 - Grades 6 to 9 (ages 11 to 14)

Cycle 3 – Grades 10- 12 (ages 15 to 17)

The program includes a Dining Hall. Swimming Pool, Library, Multipurpose Hall, Music and Art Rooms, Science Laboratories, Gym, Outdoor Sports Areas, Administration Offices, and Reception Lobbies. Careful attention to entrances and circulation by gender, student age groups, faculty, and visitors, and to drop- offs for school bus transportation. The program includes a separate parking structure.

Architectural and Interior Design Vision: KEO’s vision for both the architectural and interior design interrogated cascading priorities as they would impact a student’s experience by incorporating nature, sustainability, and the use of technology. A new typology for a contemporary school seeking better citizens.

Architectural and Interior Design: The design solution in response to the program on a linear 43,066m2 plot was a stacking solution punctured with courtyard spaces at each level. The design led to a hierarchical order with the youngest learners on the ground floor and the oldest on the top floor. Creating identifiable zones for each age group, with community- centric learning environments that access shared activity and amenity spaces. The design includes an intentional selection of vibrant color palettes for its interior spaces and exterior envelope making the Al Falah School an identifiable landmark in its neighborhood.

Sustainability Strategy: Incorporating highly innovative sustainable systems and materials giving special attention to decarbonization goals.

KEO Services: In addition to the architectural and interior design, KEO also provided the full range of engineering, sustainability and infrastructure services until the completion of tender packages.