Combining an inner-city school with a professional performing arts venue, the School of the Arts achieves natural light and ventilation throughout. At its base, the ‘Backdrop’ contains a concert hall and theatres of various sizes, with public spaces between. Its faceted sculptural form frames city views. Above is the school area dubbed the ‘Blank Canvas’, its three rectangular blocks containing flexibly designed classrooms and studios. The green facades are environmental filters, keeping the rooms cool and reducing glare, dust and traffic noise. The entire complex is designed to channel Singapore’s very light breezes through sheltered social spaces, providing a pleasant environment. The rooftop is designed as a recreation park and incorporates a running track.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture