Reemra, Dubai, UAE
r+d Studio beautifully combines contemporary design with a deep appreciation for its local context, striking a balance between the old and the new, ensuring that it seamlessly blends with the environment.
South View School in Reemra Dubai isn’t just an educational institution; it’s a testament to the seamless fusion of thoughtful planning and visionary design.
It brings together engineering and architecture in a unique manner, all while staying deeply rooted in its local context.
One of the defining features of the school is its impressive façade, featuring statuesque and fortified walls punctuated by a narrow alley, evoking the charm of fort city streetscapes.
As one enters through this slender pathway, one is greeted with a spacious courtyard, reminiscent of a vibrant city square.
This courtyard not only caters to recreational and interactive needs but also serves as the heart and soul of the students’ alma mater.
With a thoughtful design, the school is split into age-specific levels, encouraging student interaction.
The façade is equally captivating, as each educational area features unique fenestration, embodying the school’s essence.
Incorporating both contemporary and traditional elements, the South View School is a sight to behold. Its modern precast structure, constructed in just six months, is elegantly juxtaposed with the ancestral Saudi stone.
The school’s architectural plan leverages the use of a courtyard and Mashrabias, filtering in air and daylight, and its pergolas and tensile canopies create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, all while serving as a defense against Remraam’s dusty winds.
What sets the South View School apart is its profound “contextual awareness.” Instead of opting for a purely modern material palette.
Project: South View School
Architects: R+D Studio
Design Team: Shikha Doogar, Shridhar Rao, Rachita Malhotra, Tiyas Mandal, Mudit Gupta, Rohan Arora, Karishma Garg, Arushi Chand, Rana Sarkar, and Manavi Dixit
Photographers: Beno Saradzic
