Expats living in Tokyo can now look forward to a unique and innovative educational experience as Heatherwick Studio designs its first school development project in central Tokyo. Expected to open in August 2023, the new British School of Tokyo will cover an area of 15,000 square meters integrating natural elements throughout the building, providing a healthy and stimulating learning environment for students; it is set to become the city’s largest international school, with a capacity to accommodate 800 students.
The new British School in Tokyo is part of the Azabudai Hills development and is currently under construction in the city center. The school’s design features a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing students and teachers to learn and care for gardens and playgrounds across eight levels. The project aims to create an environment that encourages freedom and interaction, departing from traditional school settings
Heatherwick Studio’s project leader, Michael Lewis, shared that the old building of the British School in Tokyo was a notable pre-war structure that held a special place in the hearts of local residents, despite not being protected. The school’s warm-hued ceramic tiles were crafted by a local manufacturer to resemble the color of the historic Azabudai post office’s tiles, providing a textured connection to the district’s history.
Source: Global Design News 23th Feb 2023
