The Köda Approach

Educational Communities need to be ready for the ever changing landscape of education and curriculum.

We design Communities that delicately balance the ‘now’ and ‘then’ - taking all stakeholders into a world of innovation & creativity, that deliver excellence from the core outwards.

Who we are

Welcome to Köda, where our passion lies in designing educational buildings that are not just structures, but catalysts for unlocking potential. In an era where teaching methods and technology are evolving rapidly, we understand the profound impact this has on education. Our mission? To craft spaces that transform learning from the core outwards.

Simplicity and Clarity:

At Köda, we aim to create environments that support the entire learning journey. We design spaces that are not only high-quality but also foster communities conducive to lifelong learning. Our focus is on clarity and simplicity, ensuring that every space we design directly supports and enhances the educational experience.

Empowerment through Education:

We're dedicated to building educational communities that cater to everyone involved in the learning process: students, teachers, support staff, families, and the local community. Our designs strive to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of each group, empowering them to achieve their best.

Innovation Meets Relatability:

By integrating changing teaching methods and technology into our designs, we stay at the forefront of educational innovation. Our approach makes these advanced concepts relatable and accessible, creating environments that are not only innovative but also intuitively supportive of learning.

Integrity and Transparency:

Achieving world-class design solutions is just part of our goal. We also commit to delivering these solutions on time and within budget, ensuring that our clients’ aspirations are met with integrity and transparency. Honest communication and genuine partnership are the foundations of our approach.

Professionalism with a Personal Touch:

Köda's team brings together expertise in construction, architecture, interior design, and project management, all united by a shared passion for education. We manage the complete design process with a blend of professionalism and personal engagement, ensuring every project benefits from our comprehensive project management framework, including curriculum modelling and resource planning.

At Köda, we don’t just design educational spaces; we create environments and communities that support and enhance the learning experience for everyone involved. Join us in reimagining educational spaces that are not only about places but about potential.

What Köda is capable of

At Köda, we start by really getting to know what our clients want and need. We take into account the unique setting, community, and how the project will be used. We believe the best projects come from working closely together as a team, where everyone shares ideas and responsibility.

Our experience has taught us how to design for all kinds of needs, whether you're looking for something traditional or something completely new. We can make designs that work well now but can also change in the future without a lot of hassle or extra cost. This is especially important for schools that want to update how they teach over time but need to build new spaces soon.

Creativity is at the heart of what we do. Our work shows that we can create beautiful and unique places, bringing new ideas to life in ways that surprise and delight.

Who we are

At Köda, our dedication lies in crafting and constructing exceptional educational communities, leveraging our unique approach to design from the inside out.

As School Architects and educators, we are committed to helping you harness your school construction investments to transform your educational vision into reality and elevate student achievement.

Our expertise spans the creation of new schools, the modernisation of existing campuses, and the assessment of educational facilities' adequacy.

Our distinct focus on educational environments sets us apart from other architectural practices, making us your dedicated partner in shaping future-ready learning spaces.

Our Team aren't just architects..

At Köda, our collective aspiration is to revolutionise and reshape educational environments, both externally and internally.

Our team comprises Architects, Educators who have hands-on classroom experience, Interior Architects and Furniture Designers, Civil Engineers, Project Managers, Curators, and Researchers.

Boasting a robust team of more than 40 professionals, Köda possesses the comprehensive capability to manage and execute educational projects from their inception to completion.

Köda
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Join us to discover the latest news and research from Köda - for press enquires please contact PR@Designbyköda.com

Köda articles

Join us to discover the latest news and research from Köda - for press enquires please contact PR@Designbyköda.com

Dubai Office

P.O.Box 71668
Office 122, Block H, Al Ferdous 4
Al Safa First, Al Wasl Road.
Dubai United Arab Emirates

+971 04 328 5775

Contact Köda

KSA Office

Said Ibn Zayd, 3634, Qurtubah, Riyadh 13247,

Riyadh, KSA

+966 54 858 9553

Spain Office

Sta. Agueda, 40,

09003 Burgos,

Spain

+34 625 90 7983

+34 634 16 5799

Redefining Educational Spaces Through Learning and Well-being

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the design of school facilities plays a pivotal role in shaping the learning experience.

Revolutionising School Design: A New Vocabulary for Learning Spaces

In the quest to transform the architectural landscapes of schools, a new approach to the design and conceptualisation of learning environments is emerging. This innovative strategy necessitates a shift in the vocabulary we use when discussing and crafting spaces within educational institutions. By categorising school spaces into four distinct realms – Learning Studios, Learning Communities, Community Commons, and School Commons – we can achieve clarity in our design objectives and effectively communicate these concepts. Learning Studios: Beyond the Traditional Classroom The traditional 'square box' classroom is giving way to the Learning Studio, a space characterised by its flexibility and adaptability to various teaching and learning configurations. These studios are designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and student-centred learning principles. They can function as self-contained units, interconnect with other studios, or open up to larger Learning Communities to accommodate broader group activities. The focus here is on functionality, with the size and layout of each studio tailored to its specific educational purpose. Learning Communities: Fostering Collaboration A Learning Community represents a cluster of Learning Studios and ancillary facilities centred around a communal hub. This setup facilitates increased interaction among students and educators, promoting a culture of collaboration. Designed to support anywhere from 100 to 150 learners, these communities could be organised by year group, subject focus, such as a 'Year 5 community' or a 'Humanities community', or even around interdisciplinary themes like STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). The flexibility of the Learning Community model allows for cross-curricular synergies, tailored to the unique needs of each school. Community Commons: The Heart of the School Acting as the connective tissue between Learning Communities, the Community Commons is envisioned as a versatile, open-plan area. It provides spaces for individual study, collaborative work, access to learning resources, and areas for dining and recreation. These communal zones are central to the school's ethos, facilitating interaction and cohesion among the diverse learning communities. School Commons: The Public Face of Education Encompassing administrative, marketing, and support functions, as well as the main entrances and public-facing amenities, the School Commons is pivotal in shaping first impressions. This space embodies the school's values and vision, offering opportunities for student engagement and showcasing the educational philosophy to the parent community. Importantly, the design of the School Commons should also consider the well-being of staff, creating a supportive environment for all members of the school community. As we move forward in redefining educational spaces, this refined vocabulary not only aids in the design process but also in articulating a clear vision for the future of schooling. By distinguishing between Learning Studios, Learning Communities, Community Commons, and School Commons, we lay the groundwork for environments that are not just places of learning, but communities of collaboration, innovation, and well-being.

Integrating Sustainability and Wellbeing into School Design

In the domain of educational architecture, the design of a school goes beyond mere aesthetics or functionality; it embodies an ethos that can significantly influence both the environment and the wellbeing of its occupants. Modern designers bear the critical responsibility of weaving environmental and social sustainability, alongside wellbeing, into the fabric of their architectural plans. This holistic approach not only fosters an environment conducive to learning but also promotes a sustainable and healthy lifestyle among students and staff. Here’s how designers can navigate this intricate landscape: Embracing Environmental and Social Sustainability At the core of sustainable school design is the concept of environmentally conscious or biophilic design. This approach draws inspiration from the natural world, integrating elements that reduce environmental impact and enhance the connection between humans and nature. Utilising natural light, indoor vegetation, and materials that mimic natural textures and patterns can transform educational spaces into vibrant and energising environments. These design choices not only mitigate the carbon footprint of the school but also improve air quality, increase visual comfort, and promote a deeper appreciation for the environment among students. Incorporating WELL Certification Concepts The WELL Building Standard offers a framework that prioritises human health and wellbeing in the built environment. Designers can look to WELL certification concepts as a benchmark for creating schools that support physical and mental health. This includes designing spaces that encourage physical activity, providing access to healthy foods, ensuring optimal indoor air quality, and incorporating elements that enhance mental and emotional wellbeing. By aligning school designs with WELL principles, architects can contribute to the creation of educational environments that nurture healthy habits and wellbeing. Creating Spaces for Mindfulness and Wellbeing In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of mindfulness and mental health cannot be overstated. Designers should seek opportunities to integrate spaces specifically dedicated to mindfulness and wellbeing within the school community. Quiet zones, meditation rooms, or gardens designed for contemplation can offer students and staff a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily school life. These sanctuaries serve as a reminder of the importance of taking a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with oneself. Consulting with School Support Services A truly comprehensive design approach involves close consultation with school support services to understand the needs of both students and staff. Designing spaces that facilitate care, listening, and support can significantly impact the overall wellbeing of the school community. Whether it’s counselling centres, staff lounges that prioritise relaxation and camaraderie, or flexible spaces that can accommodate various support activities, the goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Conclusion As we move forward, the role of designers in shaping the future of educational environments is more critical than ever. By considering environmental and social sustainability, embracing WELL certification concepts, creating spaces for mindfulness, and consulting with school support services, designers can lay the foundation for schools that not only educate but also promote a healthy and sustainable way of living.