2015 GAJ Education Brochure

GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON

EDUCATION

- GEMS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 16

- GEMS METROPOLE 20

- LITTLE GEMS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 24

- GEMS AL WAHA SCHOOL 30

- GEMS AMERICAN ACADEMY 34

- GEMS WESTMINSTER SCHOOL 38

- CRANLEIGH SCHOOL 40

- BRADENTON ACADEMY 42

- DUBAI COLLEGE AUDITORIUM 44

- LADYBIRD NURSERY SCHOOL 46

- ARCADIA PREPARATORY SCHOOL 50

- ARCADIA SENIORS SCHOOL 54

- ARCADIA AL FURJAN SCHOOL 58

- SHARJAH ENGLISH SCHOOL 62

- FORTES SCHOOL 64

- DUBAI SPORTS CITY ACADEMIES 68

- OTHER EDUCATION PROJECTS 70

05Selected Projects 12

Table ofContents

03What We Do

04Our Clientele09 10

Who We Are01 02

Where We Are04 06

GAJ is one of the largest and longest-established UK architectural and design practices in the UAE. Throughout its 25 year history the company has created some of Dubai’s most iconic buildings and helped define the emirate as we know it today.

An award-winning and multi-disciplinary architecture practice, GAJ has particular expertise in hospitality, education, leisure, residential and commercial design and masterplanning.

Despite its years the company remains young and dynamic, employing more than 200 staff at its Dubai, UAE headquarters, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and UK offices. Its portfolio of work is also extensive with a wide range of built, and ongoing projects across the Middle East and North Africa.

GAJ originally started in the UK in 1989 as Godwin Austen Johnson. However its lineage of partnerships harks back to 1847 with a corporate archive of landmark British architecture throughout the industrial and modern ages.

In 1991 Principal and Managing Partner Brian Johnson opened the GAJ headquarters in Dubai. He had been practicing in the emirate since 1975 and saw exciting opportunities to contribute to the development of a new world city.

With nearly 40 years of regional experience to his name, Johnson’s influence on modern Middle Eastern architecture has been pervasive. GAJ’s body of work comprises some of Dubai’s most recognisable and prized buildings.

WHOWE ARE

The Dubai Creek Golf Club was the first building in Dubai, UAE whose physical presence was matched by its status as a local emblem - so much so it features on the 20 dirham note.

Arguably, it was GAJ that set in motion a countrywide trend in the UAE to incorporate traditional Islamic themes into modern architecture. Bab Al Shams and the Arabian Court Residence and Spa at The One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel remain a testament to this.

Johnson’s approach to design is still embraced by the team at GAJ today and continues to attract new business opportunities from across the region. It stems from a fundamental belief that architecture should not only be contextually relevant but also rooted firmly in principles of sustainability. Within the Middle East,

GAJ seeks to create a marriage of contemporary design with strong Arabic influences.

GAJ is committed to the belief that the quality of the built environment is an essential part of the economic and cultural fabric of society, in which the very best architecture plays a central and intrinsic role.

To meet the demands of the fast-developing economies across the Middle East, GAJ recently expanded and diversified its operations. In 2007 the practice appointed six partners and now offers a wider range of expertise across architecture and design.

As a fully integrated design practice GAJ provides expertise in the associated disciplines of architecture, interior design and MEP.

QATAR

SAUDI ARABIA

UK

OMANUAE

WHEREWE AREGAJ has 9 Offices in 5 countries and is still expanding...

GAJ Headquarters

P.O. Box 7185 Dubai, UAEOffice 110 The Iridium BldgAl Barsha 1, Dubai, UAETel: +971 4 323 7555Fax: +971 4 323 [email protected]

GAJ Abu Dhabi

P.O. Box 114698 Abu Dhabi, UAEOffice 1305 MBC, Makeen TowerCorner of 9th & 10th StreetTel: +971 2 657 3410Fax: +971 2 657 [email protected]

GAJ Sharjah

P.O. Box 71522 Sharjah, UAETel: +971 6 577 4893Fax: +971 6 577 [email protected]

GAJ Qatar

P.O. Box 13573 Al Jadeed - Zone 39, Doha, Qatar 4th Floor - Office 10Bin Jham Al Kuwari Complex343 - Al Sadd RoadTel: +974 4 4421350Fax: +974 4 4215328

GAJ Oman - Muscat

P.O. Box 31 P C 114 Muttrah, Oman Regus Business Centre LLCUnit 208, Tamimah Bldg.Al Nahdah RoadTel: +968 2 466 7636Fax: +968 2 466 7736

GAJ UK

The Old Anglo House Mitton StreetStourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, DY13 9AQTel: +1229 814567Fax: +1229 [email protected]

GAJ Oman - Salalah

P.O. Box 286 P C 214 DhahrizDhofar, OmanMob: +968 9140 8110 Fax: +968 2329 [email protected]

GAJ KSA - Riyadh

P.O. Box 8953 Riyadh, KSA12214-2393Regus Serviced Offices2nd floor World Trade Centre Bahrain Tower Tel: +966 1127 95030 Fax: +966 1127 95101

GAJ KSA - Jeddah

P.O. Box 8953 Jeddah, KSAOffice 205 Round 2Computer Centre Plaza

QATAR

SAUDI ARABIA

UK

OMANUAE

THEWORK PLACE

Our studio provides our team with a collaborative environment to explore creative ideas and develop designs that offer unique solutions for our clients. The zoned areas offer our staff a mix of work spaces for social interactive engagement, group brainstorming and quiet individual work.

Dubai serves as a business hub for many international suppliers looking to serve the Middle East, African and Asian markets, giving us local access to international brands. However, our commitment to delivering quality projects both locally and internationally does entail travel to meet with clients, inspect supplier factories and site work. This flexibility enhances our ability to deliver projects successfully anywhere across the globe.

THE HISTORY

1847

1991

1993

2004

2015

2014 -

2006

GAJ originally started in the UK in1989 as Godwin Austen Johnson. However, its lineage of partnerships harks back to 1847 with a corporate archive of landmark British architecture throughout the industrial and modern ages.

In 1991 Principal and Managing Partner Brian Johnson opened the GAJ headquarters in Dubai. He had been practicing in the emirate since 1975 and saw exciting opportunities to contribute to the development of a new world city

It was GAJ that set in motion a countrywide trend in the UAE to incorporate traditional Islamic themes into modern architecture. Bab Al Shams and the Arabian Court, Residence and Spa at The One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel.

Throughout its 25 year history the company has created some of Dubai’s most iconic buildings and helped define the emirate as we know it today.

The Dubai Creek Golf Club was the first building in Dubai, UAE whose physical presence was matched by its status as a local emblem - so much so it features on the 20 dirham note.

An award-winning and multidisciplinary practice, withdedicated Architecture, Interior Design and MEP divisions. GAJ has particular expertise in hospitality, education, leisure, residential and commercial design and masterplanning.

ABU DHABI


CHARTERED ARCHITECTS


CHARTERED ARCHITECTS

John Meredith John Meredith & J.T. Meredith J.T. Meredith & Joseph Pritchard Pritchard & Pritchard Pritchard & W H Godwin

W H Godwin & Hubert ClistW H Godwin, Hubert Clist & Greenway

W H Godwin & Greenway Michael Godwin & John Cowper Michael Godwin & Brian A Johnson

Brian Johnson

1847 1868 1895 1910

191319261944

1953 1959 1989

2006

159 Years Of Partnerships, The Principles Of The Practice from 1847 to 2006

1880

Pritchard, W H Godwin & Hubert Clist

WHATWE DO

CORPORATE

LEISURE &ENTERTAINMENT

PUBLIC SECTOR& INSTITUTIONAL

HOSPITALITYRESIDENTIAL

RETAIL

GAJ has contributed significantly to the hospitatlity sector over the years, designing award winning destinations for international and regional hotel operators. Our design team are abrest of the latest trends, new product development, and innovative solutions through their online research and attendance at trade fairs and exhibitions.

We work very closely with the client to develop customised solutions that deliver optimal results . Our design process, corporate standards and ability to adapt and manage resources, allows us to execute projects efficiently whilst maintaining exceptional quality resulting in repeat business with our clients.

Our holistic thinking to retail comes from being in a multidisiplinary firm within a world retail hub. We understand branding, creating engageing spaces and the need to position you ahead of your competitors. From the top down, we look at where innovation can drive a solution.

Educational facilities and public buildings require designs that foster learning, discovery and engagement as well as support the social and educational needs of its community. GAJ has delivered numerous educational and cultural projects across the UAE and Qatar.

It can be difficult to stand out in the UAE’s leisure and entertainment capital. Dubai is world famous for its vast array of leisure opportunities. It is important to stand out among the competition.

Every client is unique, none more so than with residential projects. GAJ has delivered impressive residential projects, where individual character and style is mirrored in customised details and finishes.

Our expertise lies in providing execptional design and project management services across all stages of development, from concept design right through to the delivery of a built project. Our portfolio of work is a reflection of our ability to accurately incorporate the vision of our clients through contextual and innovative design. Our ability to successfully manage projects effectively, on time and within budget is one of the many reasons we receive repeat business from our clients.

OURCLIENTELE

Their Design team is

seriously talented.They are fantastic --very professional, great presentations and products, speed of response etc.”

We appreciate their patience; we change our minds a lot, so our designers need to be able to accommodate to change within their proposal and way of working.”

Very strong management team --high quality senior staff who give a good impression to the client.”

A very good rapport, friendly, always enjoy their meetings, always professional.”

Very forthcoming with information (unlike some other firms), very accommodating.”

They are proven to be good at details and materials doing more than a run of the mill design firm, they go the extra mile.”

They listened and took heed and were very receptive --so at the concept stage we found GAJ one of the most pleasurable firms to work with.”

GAJ is very good as a team, which is especially important when working overseas. They always communicated well with us.”

S H A R J A H A R T F O U N D AT I O N

GAJ IS ONE OF THE LARGEST AND LONGEST-ESTABLISHED UK ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN PRACTICES IN THE UAE. THROUGHOUT ITS 25 YEAR HISTORY THE COMPANY HAS CREATED SOME OF DUBAI’S MOST ICONIC

BUILDINGS AND HELPED DEFINE THE EMIRATE AS WE KNOW IT TODAY.

A GLANCE AT 25 YEARS OF DESIGN

400,000 m2DESIGNED OVER

OF SCHOOLS

S E L E C T E D

EDUCATION PROJECTS

17,000School Children

EDUCATING MORE THAN

THE PROJECT TEAM

GEMSINTERNATIONAL SCHOOLDubai, UAE

Client:Type:Year:

GEMS Education Education2011 - 2014

The design focused on ensuring that all areas were seen as engaging and inspirational, providing “positive spaces” both internally and externally, to foster teaching and learning opportunities. Emphasis was also placed on integration, energy efficiency and durability to reduce high operating and maintenance costs.

The two L-shaped buildings provide shelter to the large central courtyard that connects the junior and senior schools, while

- Designed as an IB curriculum school for approx 2,500 students from KG - G12

- Layout utilises two L-shaped blocks divided by the main multipurpose hall creates differing courtyards for the kindergarten and junior school

- Particular emphasis was given to the design of the KG environment to achieve a protected and nurturing series of spaces that responds to the ergonomics and scale of the youngest pupils

- Main entrance and administration block is located between both the junior and senior school for efficiency and legibility

- Palate is mainly light neutral backgrounds with natural wood and colour highlights for improved way finding and orientation

classroom spaces surround the centre of the school to provide optimum proximity to the shared learning spaces between year groups. Most classrooms are laid out on a north & east orientation to minimise solar heat gains and provide a diffused light. In addition

to this all classrooms have exposure to internal courtyards to maximise natural daylight.

Central common areas open up along the main student corridor, offering circulation relief and stairwells are widened to support student interaction.

The minimalism of the internal architecture allows the space to be adapted for different teaching uses or collaborative environments.

A simple palette of external materials were selected to help accentuate the playfull massing which has been carefully modelled to reduce the bulk of the overall development.

GEMS METROPOLEDubai, UAE

Client:Type:Capacity:Area:Year:

GEMS Education Education4,200 Pupils23,000m2

2011 - 2014

Location:Type:Status:Project Value

Dubai, UAEInterior Design2011 -2014AED 100m

- Designed as a British curriculum school for approx 4,000 students from KG - G13

- Layout utilises a series of simple and playful efficient forms to define the kindergarten, primary and secondary schools

- Particular emphasis was given to the design of the KG environment to achieve a protected and nurturing series of spaces that responds to the ergonomics and scale of the youngest pupils

- Main entrance foyer is clearly defined as a triple height atrium that connects the junior and senior school. It also doubles as the parents waiting area and pre function space for school events.

- Palate is mainly light neutral backgrounds with natural wood and colour highlights for improved way finding and orientation

Client:Type:Year:


LITTLE GEMSINTERNATIONALSCHOOLDubai, UAE

- Designed as two simple rectangular blocks linked by a curvilinear play enclosure in an established urban area- Massing is simple and playful with random window openings relating to the ergonomics and scale of the young pupils- Entrance and administration block are located on the main faced for greater legibility and security- Palate is mainly light neutral backgrounds with natural wood and colour highlights for improved way finding and orientation

This will be the first project in a new wave of specifically designed kindergartens for the GEMS education group. Each design will seek to maximise the potential of the site to achieve a balance of internal and external spaces but also enrich the learning experience of its young pupils. The simple ‘T’ shaped plan splits the accommodation and massing into the staff and support wing and a teaching wing. Large glazed screens at the ground floor ensure the classrooms have the maximum amount of light and view onto the landscaped gardens, whilst the floating box of upper classrooms have windows strategically placed at a lower height for the children to be able to use.

Interior Design by AK Design

GEMSAL WAHA SCHOOLDubai, UAE

Client:Type:Capacity:BUA:Year:

GEMS Education Education4,260 students26,500 sqm2015 - 2017

Located near Qudra Road next to Sustainable City, Arabian Ranches 2 and the Layan developments, the plot is well positioned to serve these existing communities and in the future the Akoya plot which is currently under construction. It will accommodate approximately 4,260 students over three storeys and within an approximate total BUA of 26,500sqm. The proposed site has a good elongated frontage which allows separate access and drop off for the key components of the foundation stage building, primary and secondary blocks.

Where possible the individual blocks have been orientated to create self shading courtyards which become the focal point of the external play spaces. In line with the existing Metropole school, a simple material palette of EIFS external render, aluminium composite cladding and quality glazing units is proposed to meet the target construction budget.

GEMSAMERICAN ACADEMYWaqeer, Qatar

Based on an evolution of the standard mid market design, the brief for this project was to provide an innovative, economical and efficient through school, whilst providing the best possible educational spaces for 4,200 students over 23,000sqm. Our approach ensures a high quality of both internal and external environment that reflects and enhances the user experience for each of the different academic age programmes.

The school is to be built in 2 phases. Currently Phase I is allocated to KG and Primary blocks, as well as admin, sports hall and service facilities. Phase II is dedicated to the Secondary block and Sixth Form, housing all required labs within the block.

The brief also requested full utilisation of the maximum built up area of 35% allowable for the Waqeer site as per local regulations. Most importantly it required maximisation of open-air play areas and sports facilities. As such the Westminster school provides one pitch

at grade, as well as 2 MUGA courts and various shaded play areas. Another 2 MUGAs are provided on the roof level alongside ample roof terrace play areas.

Given the existing site constraints and brief the need to design a school that was compact and efficient emerged whilst providing quality space for the students. The School in Qatar is a British curriculum school. The brief requested a through school for all stages of the British system, or Kindergarten to Sixth Form.

GEMSOUR OWN ENGLISH SCHOOLWaqeer, Qatar

Client: Type:Year:


CRANLEIGHSCHOOL

Client: Type:Year:

TDIC Education2011 - 2014

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Built over seven hectares of land, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi stands as the largest school campus in Abu Dhabi, with open green spaces and extensive landscaping at the gateway to the cultural heart of Saadiyat Island.

The campus is focused around a village green, reflecting the structure of the existing school in the UK. The buildings are all strategically positioned around the green to allow the best views towards the coastline and to optimise the prevailing wind direction onto the site.

The school comprises of a senior school, junior school, sports

complex, specialist arts centre and technology centre along with accommodation for staff and students.

The buildings are all strategically positioned around the green to allow the best views towards the coastline and to optimise the prevailing wind direction onto the site.

BRADENTONACADEMYDubai, UAE

One of the first co-education schools approved by KHDA, Bradenton Academy provides a rigorous and comprehensive American university preparatory curriculum from prekindergarten to grade 12.

Combining the best practices of a progressive education with a classical foundation, students are engaged as individuals and inspired to invest in the process of their own education.

Client: Type:Year:Project Value:

Dubai Sports City Education2009 AED 146m

DUBAI COLLEGE AUDITORIUMDubai, UAE

Godwin Austen Johnson have been involved with the continuing growth and development of the college since its inauguration in 1979.

GAJ has been responsible for the complete design of this Secondary School, comprising classrooms, specialist laboratories, swimming pool, lecture theatre, multipurpose hall, design technology centre, and associated external works. The latest phase of development completed in 2009 is a state-of-the-art 900 seat auditorium, staff accommodation building and sixth form extensions to the existing college.

Client: Type:Year:

Arcadia Education2014 - Ongoing

LADYBIRDNURSERY SCHOOLDubai, UAE

Young children learn not only through traditional teaching, but also by discovery. In a safe, interesting environment children will learn as they explore. A combination of open plan activity spaces and traditional closed classrooms allow for flexible usage. The open areas a divided to provide wet play, role play, quiet reading and a gym area for working off excess energy and strengthening young muscles.

The main circulation is characterized by familiar sights from the surrounding landscape mimicking houses, trees, fences and road markings. This allows for role play throughout the building. The three age groups are colour coded and represented by each of 3 types of ladybird, red,yellow and orange.

Houses Indoor garden spaces provide a link to the external environment with the potential to open them up to the fresh air in the cooler months. Sensory gardens and planting areas allow for little green fingers to grow their own plants and learn about the natural world around them.

ARCADIAPREPARATORY SCHOOLDubai, UAE

Client: Type:Year:


Located at the end of the JVT green ribbon, Jumeirah Triangle Academy is an efficiently connected site for arrival by foot or vehicle. Utilizing this network and reinforcing the school within the community is critical and the building has been orientated to provide ease of access both on foot from the surrounding community and by vehicle with all parking provided in the basement.

Internally, Children’s Primary School education is a constantly evolving science in todays society and such schools require ever changing methods and space use through which their education can developed. Therefore flexibility is crucial to a school present and future potential with open plan environments enabling both the children and the staff to use, adapt and develop the schools facilities as they see fit.

The schools concept has focused on centralised open zones for its main block educational facilities such as music, art, and library spaces with classroom year groups wrapping around and plugging into them on each floor.

Circulation through the school radiates from the primary schools central ’heart’ and reception entrance. The organisation of the classroom year groups and associated facilities is envisaged to create courtyards with single loaded corridors looking into them. Clear lines of sight through the school and combined with visual reference points, colour and finishes along the route will enable ease of movement and confidence in wayfinding around the school for the children and staff alike.

Drawing natural light into the school through courtyard spaces and internal atrium will ensure a light and open environment to the school while maintaining an efficient footprint layout. Courtyard spaces double to provide internal open and shaded play space for the pupils with key landscaping elements creating an involving environment for the children to occupy themselves within.

Sports facilities are placed on the roof where the full expanse of the building footprint can be utilised an in order to create external usable space and open play decks.

ARCADIASENIOR SCHOOLDubai, UAE

Client: Type:Year:


Located within the established JVT community, the plot is adjacent to the proposed primary school which is due to be completed in 2016. It will accommodate approximately 800 students over four storeys and within an approximate total BUA of 21,000sqm which will place it within the premium category. Due to the site restrictions (limited area and road access) an innovative solution has evolved to provide the school with excellent orientation, views, sports facilities and excellent internal spaces

1. Site and Primary View 2. Football Pitch 3. Bus and Car Drop-off

5. Terraces4. Entrance 6. Shade and Skylight

ARCADIAAL FURJAN SCHOOLDubai, UAE

Client: Type:Year:


The ‘Fareej’” concept is detailed within the 2030 plan: a group of homes large enough to accommodate an extended Emirati family clustered around a courtyard or park and whose pattern is based on the traditional organization of Emirati settlements and reflects the very high importance of family relationships. Further, ‘Fareejs’ are grouped together into ‘Local Clusters’ arrayed around a small central park complex.

A new building to provide for a new FS1 and FS2 facility aswell as a Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) cluster of classrooms and facilities. A new primary multi-purpose hall and primary library would also be part of the new building.

The current primary building would then house Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) and would have ample space for the classrooms and facilities required.

SHARJAHENGLISH SCHOOLSharjah, UAE

FORTES SCHOOLDubai, UAE

Client: Type:BUA:Capacity:Year:

Fortes SchoolEducation21,000 sqm800 students2014 - Ongoing

Located within the established JVT community, the plot is adjacent to the proposed primary school which is due to be completed in 2016. It will accommodate approximately 800 students over four storeys and within an approximate total BUA of 21,000sqm which will place it within the premium category. Due to the site restrictions (limited area and road access) an innovative solution has evolved to provide the school with excellent orientation, views, sports facilities and excellent internal spaces

DUBAI SPORTS CITY ACADEMIES

Client: Type:Year:Project Value:

Dubai Sports City Sports & Leisure2006 - 2010AED 412m

Dubai, UAEGodwin Austen Johnson were appointed by Dubai Sports City to design the flagship academy buildings to house the Manchester United Football Training Centre, the ICC Cricket Global Academy, FIH Hockey Academy and Bradenton Preparatory Academy, but also housing additional training and club facilities for various other sports .

GAJ evolved the idea of the use of large bowspring arched concrete structure which provided the headroom needed above the central areas of the indoor pitch and reflected the likely trajectory of the balls at the edges, thus providing a building that was both attractive and exciting architecturally.

The indoor cricket nets also benefited from the same design logic

which is then used to accommodate all of the supporting changing room areas, Olympic size indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and café areas.

The design had to take into account the need for large clear span spaces, especially for the full size indoor football pitch, without resulting in a large and ugly shed structure.

AUS PAVILION

DUBAI BRITISH SCHOOL AUDITORIUMDubai, UAE

SHARJAH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYSharjah, UAE

GEMS Our Own English School

Dubai, UAE Dubai, UAE

GEMS WinchesterSharjah, UAE

Dubai, UAE

GEMS GPWS CitySharjah, UAE

JUMEIRAH PRIMARY KS2Dubai, UAE

AUS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENTSharjah, UAE

AUS PAVILIONSharjah, UAE

Sharjah, UAE

AUS WOMEN’S DORMITORY

REPTON SCHOOLAbu Dhabi, UAE

DUBAI COLLEGEDubai, UAE

CHOUEIFAT SCHOOLAbu Dhabi, UAE

SHARJAH ARTS ACADEMYSharjah, UAE

OTHEREDUCATION PROJECTS

ARCHITECTURE | INTERIOR DESIGN | MEP

2015 GAJ Education Brochure

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