The school of tomorrow

In a 36.000 square meters heritage building built in 1896, studio Taktik Design took the challenge to redesign room layouts, furniture and communications of the Sainte-Anne Academy elementary school.  

After the initial solutions proposed, the Canadian studio was given carte blanche to create an efficient environment that accommodates the latest teaching standards. The spaces were opened up to create clear sight lines and relevant connections between functions while allowing more light into the heart of the school.  Incorporating thematic rooms –like a greenhouse and a theatre– the design supports the teachers in their work and the educational program overall.

Seven hundred sheets of plywood were modelled to meet the school’s specific needs for materials that were cost-effective, solid and easy to clean. This option proved less costly and more suitable than the furniture available on the market. Every aspect of the furniture was carefully considered to strengthen the project concept. Storage units in classrooms and coatrooms were tailored for the size of the students, allowing for easy access. Special signage and a colour chart were developed to express the brand image, promoting a sense of belonging among students and facilitate orientation, even for the elementary school’s youngest students. A single colour is assigned per group and is clearly visible from the hallways. Meanwhile, the school logo was redesigned, indicating the students’ grade cycles and classroom floors.

The monochrome theme in the classrooms prevents visual overstimulation and allows the space to be brought to life by the children themselves. Icons representing the institution’s values are posted on the walls and included on signage, contributing to the character of each learning space. The same shapes are used throughout, though varying in scale, to ensure consistency and strengthen the visual identity of the spaces.

Sainte-Anne Academy, Montreal, Canada
Program: interior design and renovation of an elementary school
Architect: Taktik Design
Completion: 2015