Hubo Studio’s architectural adventures at King David School
King David School in Johannesburg recently saw two distinct spaces undergo remarkable transformations, each reflecting a unique vision, yet remaining seamlessly interconnected. Introducing The Studios and The Yards: two inspired spaces that breathe life into the school’s ethos of excellence. Created by the team at Hubo Studio, these environments represent innovative educational design.
This story begins in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a grand vision for a single structure with a very healthy budget, evolved into a tale of pragmatic adaptation, birthing two distinct projects: The Yards and The Studios. Originally intended as a combined endeavour, the constraints imposed by the pandemic led to a significant scaling back, prompting workshops to split the project into two.
The Yards, affectionately named by Hubo, emerged as a vibrant village nestled on the school’s periphery, fostering a sense of community for art and drama students. Meanwhile, The Studios, also christened by Asher Marcus and the Hubo Studio team, breathed new life into old spaces, transforming them into a dynamic hub for STEM, design, and collaboration.
These spaces were envisioned as extensions of the traditional classroom and boast dynamic features like boardrooms, CAT labs, and 3D printing facilities. They serve as canvases for innovation, constantly evolving to meet the needs of students and educators alike. Of course, with a unique project like this, architectural finesse was crucial in these transformations, as rigid structures were reshaped into fluid, adaptable spaces. This is a story of strategic interventions, which ensured the effective utilisation of resources, allowing for phased development and efficient construction.
The Studios
The Studios epitomises modern urban design principles merged with educational philosophy. It’s a testament to the belief that architecture isn’t just a backdrop but an active participant in the learning journey. The Studios skilfully converted a highly structured (beam-filled) edifice into a fluid environment. Emphasis on the significance of thorough and precise alterations was taken into account, which demanded considerable expertise, effective interventions, and a deep comprehension of both structure and material properties of the space.
The result… A striking transformation. While at first glance you are taken with this contemporary aesthetic, the materials utilised speak to simplicity and resilience. Linoleum flooring, chosen from Tarkett’s Linoleum collection and crafted for sustainability and durability including Linoleum Originale Essenza, Linoleum Style Emme, and Linoleum Veneto, plays a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic and functionality of the space. Vibrant pops of sherbet colours further infuse the space with energy, striking a balance between invigorating and calming, thereby enhancing concentration.
All the right curves
The arches adorning the façade of The Studios are artistically manifested as horizontal curves and swirls. According to Asher, these architectural elements serve as a means of connecting and interweaving various aspects of the environment. This deliberate design choice fosters a sense of continuity and fluidity within the space, encouraging movement and exploration.
The Yards
If The Studios embodies an urban aesthetic, The Yards, serving as an art and drama centre, exudes a more pastoral charm. Settled within terrain, The Yards is a versatile architectural node, hosting a central auditorium and adjoining spaces across two levels. From events to performances, it’s a dynamic hub. The Sun Room serves as a vibrant stage, while the Yellow Room flexes between stage and classroom, with the sense of multipurpose and ‘childcentric’ at its core. Shared courtyards foster collaboration between classes, enriching learning experiences with diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary interactions. The Yards transforms education spaces, prioritising functionality and creative exchange.
Interconnectedness
The undulating terrain was terraced, resulting in an array of structures with fragmented appearances, strategically arranged at varying angles, These architectural elements converge upon a central amphitheatre, seamlessly merging with the natural topography. The studio classrooms, characterised by their double-volume spaces, appear harmoniously embedded within the landscape, interconnected by wheelchair friendly pathways, reminiscent of a submerged Rubik’s Cube. Every facet of the design, from sliding doors melding seamlessly into walls to classrooms effortlessly metamorphosing into auditoriums, embodies a commitment to adaptability and utility. The landscaping, featuring an array of naturalistic elements such as rocky formations and verdant foliage, serves as a seamless extension of the encompassing ridge, imparting a sense of serenity and equilibrium.
Both spaces share a common thread in their design philosophy: the emphasis on interactive learning environments. Whether it’s the fluidity of
space in The Studios or the interconnectedness of courtyards in The Yards, each element is meticulously crafted to foster creativity and community.
The transformation of The Studios and The Yards at King David School represents more than just architectural innovation; it’s a testament to the
school’s commitment to redefining the learning experience, and a studentcentric approach to space making.
MEET THE TEAM
Architects: Hubo Studio (Asher Marcus, Michelle Smith & Magriet Steynberg) | Main Contractors: Bantry Construction, Chargeprop | Photographers: Elsa Young, Jason Crouse, Gabrielle Aquadro
This article is an extract from the June Issue. Read the full issue here.
