Forest is Finalist
7/4/09
HuntersÂ’ Forest Way SEN (Special Educational Needs) School in Leicestershire has reached the final of two major awards: the TES and WAN (World Architecture News).
The school has been shortlisted in two categories of the acclaimed TES award; Outstanding New or Refurbished Primary School and Best Sustainable School. In WAN it has been chosen from nearly 100 projects to 27; the next shortlist will be announced at the end of April.
The challenge was to create a school which not only provides a positive learning experience from a young age through to adulthood, but also lifts the spirit and aspirations. Sound and touch, which are fundamental requirements of SEN design, are inherent throughout and pupils can listen to sounds from the natural world. The whole school provides visual, aural and sensory contrasts to enhance the senses and facilities include a pool with below and above water sound and light, a library/IT pod and multi sensory rooms.
The school has not only had design industry acclaim, the head Lynn Slinger said: Positive feedback has been overwhelming, pupils and staff say they don’t want to go home! An Open Evening attracted over 1500 visitors and a NCSL Conference for 75 delegates attracted comments like. ‘The most inspiring building I’ve ever seen’ and ‘the school’s involvement shines through’.
More information on the project can be found in our architectural section.
For more information on the WAN award please click here:
