The Western Academy of Beijing Atrium or WAB Atrium is a community learning space that is dynamic and flexible in design. As one of the most active spaces for WAB students, our renovation incorporates multi-functionality, modern aesthetics, optimal lighting, improved acoustics, and more efficient traffic flow.
Students can choose to sit among seating styles from dining tables to bar stool nooks and small house enclosures. As a K-12 educational institution, the different seating options reflect the range in size to suit various age groups. By installing two large island sections at the center of the space, we created two natural zones, the borders of which house additional benches.
"We wanted our design to create a strong identity through a sense of community, allowing traffic flow from multiple directions." – Karin Hepp, Founder & Managing Partner of anySCALE Architecture Design.
The overall space can seat upwards of around 300 students, and each island can seat up to approximately 40 children. Most importantly, the islands are designed as enclosures, providing a sense of comfort and protection for younger students. One of the islands is dedicated to kindergarteners exclusively with custom-made small furniture pieces.
Not only were we instrumental in the look and functionality of the space, but we were also responsible for its warm lighting and sound conditioning. Alongside the new zig-zag paneling, a flock of birds imitates flight rising toward the second floor, doubling as a light and sound dampening feature.
A jungle-style borde of plants is home to small dinosaur ceramics, and the writable whiteboard doors can be used for presentations or opened to reveal the kitchen. Finally, our renovations incorporate imagery from WAB's host city and country – Beijing, China – with a red-gold color palette inspired by the Forbidden City.
