Future Systems. Future school

The school-capsules devised by Future Sytems plug on to conventional buildings, uncovering new spatial and didactic possibilities. Photography by Soren Aagaard. Edited by Rita Capezzuto

This project will create a new teaching/learning envronment freed from traditional binds. So far, two units have been realized in Richmond – one for primary and the other for secondary classes. Each unit has a surface area of 100 m2 for a maximum of 30 students. Each unit is equipped with bathrooms, services and auxiliary areas which are independent of the main school structure. A large terrace opens onto the entry of the unit (see photo above). The unit’s exterior shell is in GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) decorated with the drawings created by the schoolchildren themselves.

Future Systems, formed in 1979, is led by two principals, Jan Kaplicky and Amanda Levete, working with a team of 20 people. Its innovative designs are inspired both by observation of nature and by technologies transferred from other industries. Future Systems are currently working on a subway station in Naples in collaboration with the artist Anish Kapoor.

Architect: Future Systems
Client: Richmond Upon Thames Borough Council Services engineering: BDSP
Structural engineering: Techniker
Structure and composite material analysis: White Young Green
Quantity surveyors: Faithful and Gould
Project management: Faithful and Gould
Contractor: Diespeker
Cost of two units: £1.000.000
Completion: 2004