Evelyn Grace Academy

School with integrated landscape on tight inner-city plot

GROSS.MAX. contributed towards Zaha Hadid first completed building in England and in 2011, the first school to win the RIBA Stirling Prize. One of the key challenges was how to fulfil the brief requirements to combine two middle and two upper academies on a tight 1.4 ha site in Brixton. The site is located in between two main roads and the interlocking Z-shaped building mass spans the site as a visual stitch.  The design generates a natural pattern of division within highly functional spaces which give each of the four schools a distinct identity, both internally and externally. The academies emphasis on sport is reflected on   the shared sport pitches and a bright red 100m running track which also act a thoroughfare and entrance to the school. Arguably it is the only school around where children run to their classes. The RIBA Stirling Prize jury commented that Evelyn Grace established principles for future school building: robust construction, commendable site strategy on a small plot, integrated landscaping and excellent design for the neighbourhood.