NAS Abu Dhabi unveils revolutionary campus design

DUBAI: Drawing upon an extensive wealth of experience and expertise in education, the world’s leading premium international schools’ organisation, Nord Anglia Education, will revolutise the student experience through its latest campus design on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.

Recognising the crucial role that the educational environment plays academically, socially and emotionally, the campus has been meticulously constructed in collaboration with renowned industry design experts, Space Zero, to create an optimal learning environment to engage, inspire and achieve in.

Set to open this August, the physical space at Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi) has been carefully planned from the inside out to create an environment that’s tailored to every student’s needs. The school’s layout goes well beyond functionality to provide an immersive experience. Every corner of the campus has been considered with the needs and wants of the child at each turn — with unique design elements to encourage, connect and excite. Dedicated family and staff spaces have also been created to nurture a warm and friendly community-inspired environment.

Completely surpassing traditional expectations on school essentials — like spacious classrooms, a well-equipped gym, a 450-seat auditorium, and a dedicated football field with a running track — the campus will also boast a diverse array of supplementary resources flooded in ample natural light, including two sports halls, a state-of-the-art dance studio and specialist art rooms, designed to enhance every child’s learning journey.

Three magnificent swimming pools also have a striking impact — the smallest specifically designed for 3-4 year olds, another located indoors, and a third, a stunning recreational Olympic-sized rooftop pool that elevates the entire student experience. This luxurious amenity along with the collection of world-class sporting facilities are a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to developing the highest sporting outcomes for its students, with the very best facilities and opportunities and experiences for growth.

There are also three separate early years, primary and secondary libraries — the latter two connected by a sweeping spiral staircase — designed perfectly for each age group. The early years and primary libraries have been shaped to stimulate young, creative minds and spark imaginations. Drawing inspiration from nature and the mesmerising underwater world, the open working areas and engaging spaces in the primary library have been thoughtfully considered to promote active learning and encourage children to explore. The secondary library on the other hand, has been shifted into a more contemporary, sophisticated space providing a glimpse into the business world, and helping to instil a sense of responsibility.

Liam Cullinan, Founding Executive Principal of Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, said: “At Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, we understand the crucial role that physical surroundings play in energising young minds and inspiring each child to achieve their best. That’s why we worked closely with Space Zero to meticulously design our campus to create an optimal environment that engages their learning, nurtures their curiosities and encourages strong friendships to last a lifetime. We’re committed to providing exceptional facilities to ensure that our students grow and develop in ways that prepare them for life — whatever they choose to do or be.

“We’re proud to offer an immersive experience that not only supports each child to succeed, but also fosters a sense of belonging within a warm and friendly community-inspired environment. We’re extremely proud to have designed a campus that reflects our dedication to putting our students at the heart of everything we do.”

David Judge, Executive Creative Director at Space Zero, added: “Designing independent schools requires a unique perspective — one that starts from the inside out. For Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, we took a holistic approach by first defining their character, values and teaching methods, as well as envisioning the future of education. This allowed us to identify the specific needs of each child and create a campus that caters to them in every way possible.

“Recognising that every student is unique, we also applied a bespoke strategy to every space on the campus. By carefully considering the purpose of each space, we crafted an environment that enhances the student experience, encouraging creativity, collaboration and active learning throughout the facilities.”

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi has raised the bar for educational institutions by designing its campus directly through the eyes of the child. The dedication to tailoring each space to meet the unique needs of every student will inspire each child to achieve their best, in a warm and friendly community environment that fosters a sense of belonging.

Located on the prime residential and commercial Al Reem Island, NAS Abu Dhabi will stand as the third Nord Anglia school in the United Arab Emirates. With innovative ideas and a focus on promoting creativity and expression, the school is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of international education now, and well into the future.