This category covers educational establishments of all kinds - from nurseries to schools, academies to universities; but where good design enriches the learning experience. In a varied group from tiny interventions to large research buildings, new build to refurbishments, budgets ranged accordingly. 

There were a number of examples of Modern Methods of Construction, of cross laminated timber, and schemes which exemplified good sustainability credentials, even to the extent of some mentioning the circular economy and others achieving BREEAM ‘Outstanding’. There were examples of maximising space while respecting existing fabric and character of surrounds. But clearly there were a shrinking number of city centre locations available for such projects, however. This was considered the biggest challenge faced by the sector and likely to be exacerbated in the future. 

Those which resonated with the assessors here, though, were the schemes which put the student experience to the forefront, had good connectivity with the outside world and had an interesting mix of smaller, more sensitive spaces.

Benjamin Prosky: ‘I thought the Observatory Block was just a very beautiful project’

Dominique Alba: ‘The Observatory Block project tries something; and it is successful’

Town House, Kingston upon Thames by Grafton Architects

Educational establishments of all kinds – nurseries, schools, academies, universities, training centres – where design enhances the learning experience.

Centre for Creative Learning, Francis Holland School, Westminster by BDP

Kingston School of Art, Kingston upon Thames by Haworth Tompkins

Rotherhithe Primary School, Southwark by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

The Observatory Block Graveney School, Wandsworth by Urban Projects Bureau

Torriano STEM Lab, Camden by Hayhurst and Co.

Town House, Kingston upon Thames by Grafton Architects

Tufnell Park Primary School, Islington by Haverstock