Case Study - Royal Docks Community School

The £12.1 million Royal Docks Community School is a 1200-place school with community and adult education facilities. The building reflects the need to meet the coucncil's policy of inclusive education, which requires that all children, regardless of any physical disability or other special educational needs, be taught in the same school.

Architects determined that a two-storey radial layout would best service the school's inclusive education and security needs - a requirement to provide a single controlled entrance to the complex. This central 'pinwheel' area provides access to four wings, which contain specific curriculum-based uses.

The design maximises the use of natural light and ventilation. Ambient noise levels, particularly from neighbouring London City Airport, are high. Special measures were therefore taken to provide natural cross-ventilation without the need to open windows. This ensures a quiet internal environment, which is important particularly for people with hearing problems.