Thomas Clarkson Community College

Cambridgeshire

Designed by Make Architects.

Overall design quality rating: not yet good enough

Comments:

Overall, this is a promising scheme with a clear organisation and legible site layout. The retained building has been successfully incorporated with the new build. The visitor entrance into the existing building works well; the plaza is a well designed social space with good interaction with the ‘Eden’ heart space. The landscape strategy enriches the ecology and biodiversity on the site; yet the design of the access routes, from the break-out spaces to the outdoor teaching courtyards, could better promote the use of these external spaces. The ‘Eden’ heart works well as a sequence of spaces with a clear hierarchy. The ventilation strategy appears to be well-considered, but the levels of natural light within the classrooms will require further testing to ensure a uniform distribution. Treatment to the elevations of the east-west orientated learning clusters will also require attention during detailed design to prevent overheating and combat glare. The omission of the green roof and the ground source heat pump negatively impacts on the resources strategy for the school and should be reconsidered to ensure a successful learning environment.

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