FIS’ fourth and most recent campus, set in Tseung Kwan O, has received 4 international awards since welcoming its first students in September 2018. A well-deserved success for this out-of-the-ordinary project, both in its architectural and pedagogical approaches.

Designed by Henning Larsen’s architects around the notions of adaptability, flexibility and community, FIS’ TKO campus strikes everyone who comes near it by its colourful and collaborative nature. The school layout divides the primary and middle schools into separate wings – with the youngest MS/RC students having their very own space. Its facilities, that bring the meaning of “state-of-the-art” to a new level, include a 25-meter indoors swimming pool, a gymnasium, a basket-ball court, a gorgeous 300-seat auditorium and a wealth of multi-purpose spaces.

But beyond this, it is the way the building and equipment so perfectly serve the school’s innovative pedagogical philosophy that is recognized and celebrated by all. By including the traditional classrooms within “villas” – 5 classrooms opening onto a shared central space – welcoming both the French and international streams, the campus’ very architecture pushed the boundaries on how teachers and classes can work collaboratively. At the TKO campus, students can mingle, the two educational streams can mix, and languages (both English and French) are learnt organically and become interchangeable within this naturally bilingual and multicultural environment. 

Additionally, Henning Larsen’s architects put a great deal of effort on acoustics, light and air circulation: the campus is optimized to let prevailing eastern winds ventilate the premises (both outdoors and indoors) during the dry season. This natural ventilation also helps reduce heat gain from the sun and thus reducing the need for air conditioning. As for the 1,050 ceramic sun breakers that cover the campus’ facade, they diffuse light softly into the gymnasium. 

No wonder, then, that the campus became the iconic landmark it now is in Tseung Kwan O. But its success has gone well beyond the neighbourhood and Hong Kong boundaries, with four architectural awards given since its completion:

 

International Architecture Awards 2019

Winners – Schools and Universities

Founded in 2005, The International Architecture Awards, organized by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, is the oldest annual public celebration of global architecture that sees practices around the world compete for the title of “Global Building of the Year.” The International Architecture Awards are the only non-commercial, global, and public awards program given jointly by two not-for-profit Museums in the United States and Europe dedicated to public education concerning architecture and industrial design.

https://www.internationalarchitectureawards.com/winners/

https://www.internationalarchitectureawards.com/award-details.html?award=34429

 

AIA International Region Awards 2019

Merit Award – Open International – Architecture

&

Sustainable Future Award

The AIA International Region Design Awards recognizes best practices, innovative thinking, and design excellence of AIA member projects worldwide.

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