“You know when chance meetings turn into a great thing…”
Ten years ago, a chance encounter at a conference ignited a spark. Harry Hoodless, an architect with Broadway Malyan, was enthralled by the impassioned speech of BK Gan, President of Taylor’s Schools. Intrigued by BK’s vision for education, Harry sought him out for a conversation. The discussion soon turned to Nexus International School (Singapore), a project close to BK’s heart. However, the initial designs were not inspiring BK and Harry felt the frustration that permeated the air.
Then, in a moment that would change everything, Harry surprised them both. He pulled out his architect paper, a silent challenge hanging in the air. With practised strokes, a school began to take shape on the page. It flowed effortlessly, pulled from a wellspring of inspiration. Witnessing this birth of ideas, BK knew he’d stumbled upon something extraordinary and wasted no time securing Harry’s involvement.
Fast-forward four years. Harry and BK stand reunited; not in a conference room, but amidst the vibrant halls of the school Harry had designed. They weren’t there to pitch ideas but to learn. Covid lockdowns had stolen Harry’s chance to experience the completed school. He yearned to see his vision come alive, to witness the space moulding young minds, to hear the echoes of laughter and learning. They were eager for feedback to understand how their vision could blossom further.
As Harry walked through Nexus International School, he traced the lines of his design with his eyes. No longer just lines on paper but a living, breathing entity. Every bustling classroom, every quiet corner for reflection, was a testament to the power of a shared vision. This wasn’t just a building; it was a testament to the impact of design, a canvas upon which the future was being painted, stroke by inspired stroke.“It’s great to see the learners in the space, especially in Nursery, where I can see the learners’ joy in the experience they have,” he remarked with a smile.
From Static to Dynamic: Enhancing Learner Engagement
Exploring the origins of his innovative school design, Harry shared insights into the concept behind Nexus. “Nexus is totally different from any other school we have worked on,” he explained. “To maximise the space, the concept was to create a vertical school that incorporated spaces for social interaction in the middle.” He emphasised the importance of creating a stimulating learning environment that fosters exploration. “We wanted to allow for big collaborative spaces that allow the learners to explore the learning landscape and have ownership of their spaces,” he noted, his passion for empowering learners evident in his words. “We wanted to design spaces that foster an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging educators and learners to look for ways to use the space and enhance the learning experience.”
However, just like education itself, a school building needs to evolve to support the ever-changing needs of its learners. Education is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Gone are the days of rigid classrooms and rote memorization. Pioneering schools are embracing innovative teaching styles and breaking away from traditional moulds leaning more towards flexible learning environments to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.
Architecture, after all, often reflects the values of a society, and the schools of today are designed to foster a more collaborative and engaging learning experience. Recognising this and based on educator feedback, Harry explained, “we want to enhance spaces to facilitate even richer learning experiences while maintaining flexibility.” This commitment to continuous improvement highlights Nexus’s dedication to providing an environment where learners can be inspired and grow.
Harry wasn’t alone in this mission. Ms. Fiona, Head of Primary, offered valuable insights on optimising learning spaces. “Flexibility is crucial,” she emphasised. “While collaboration is essential, providing quieter areas is equally important.” Her words underscore the importance of accommodating diverse learning styles within the school environment.
During the school holidays, we took the opportunity to enhance our learning spaces. The Years 1 and 2 open hubs have been transformed into adaptable environments that seamlessly transition between open and quiet learning areas. This exciting update empowers teachers to create dynamic hubs that meet the needs and energy levels of their learners each day.
We’re thrilled to share some stunning photos of the newly renovated spaces! Take a look and see the exciting changes we’ve made.
As Harry and the Nexus team continuously refine their groundbreaking learning environment, one thing becomes clear: Nexus is more than just a school. It’s an innovator in educational excellence that takes into account not just the global reality of education but also the local needs of its learners. By fostering a stimulating learning landscape that adapts to educators and learners, Nexus is reimagining what an international education can be.
