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GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON EDUCATION
GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON
EDUCATION
01The Dubai Creek Golf Clubhouse was the first building in Dubai whose physical status is matched by its status as a local emblem - so much so it features on the 20 dirham note.
Arguably, it was GAJ who set in motion a countrywide trend in the UAE to incorporate traditional Islamic themes into modern architecture. Bab Al Shams and the Arabian Courtyard, Residence and Spa at The One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel remain a testament to this.
Brian’s approach to design is still embraced by the team at GAJ today and continues to attract new business opportunities
from across the region. It stems from a fundamental belief that architecture should not only be contextually relevant but also rooted firmly in principles of sustainability.
GAJ is committed to the belief that the quality of the built environment is an essential part of the economic and cultural fabric of society in which the very best architecture plays a central and intrinsic role.
As a fully integrated design practice we provide expertise in the associated disciplines of architecture, interior design, specialist lighting, and MEP.
As an international consultant GAJ is a UK based practice with representation in Dubai. Throughout our history, which spans 30 years, we have created some of Dubai’s most iconic buildings and have helped define the emirate as we know it today.
An award-winning and multi-disciplinary architecture practice, we have specific expertise in hotel and hospitality, residential and commercial, education, sport and leisure design.
GAJ originally started in the UK in 1989 as Godwin Austen Johnson. However our lineage of partnerships harks back to
1847 with a corporate archive of landmark British architecture throughout the industrial and modern ages.
In 1991 Principal and Managing Partner Brian Johnson opened the GAJ headquarters in Dubai. He had been practising in the emirate since 1975 and saw exciting opportunities to contribute to the development of a new world city.
With more than 40 years of regional experience to his name Brian’s influence on modern Middle Eastern architecture has been pervasive. GAJ’s body of work comprises some of Dubai’s most recognisable and prized buildings.
W H O W E A R E
WHAT WE DO
C O M M E R C I A L S P O R T S A N D L E I S U R E M A S T E R P L A N N I N GH O S P I TA L I T Y E D U C AT I O N R E S I D E N T I A L
S H A R J A H A R T F O U N D AT I O NS H A R J A H A R T F O U N D AT I O N
OUR CLIENTS
EDUCATION
BUILT PROJECTS
CRANLEIGHSCHOOLAbu Dhabi, UAE
Built over seven hectares of land, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi stands as the largest school campus in Abu Dhabi, with open green spaces and extensive landscaping at the gateway to the cultural heart of Saadiyat Island.The campus is focused around a village green, reflecting the structure of the existing school in the UK. The buildings are all strategically
positioned around the green to allow the best views towards the coastline and to optimise the prevailing wind direction onto the site.
The school comprises of a senior school, junior school, sports complex, specialist arts centre and technology centre along with accommodation for staff and students.
The buildings are all strategically positioned around the green to allow the best views towards the coastline and to optimise the prevailing wind direction onto the site.
LADYBIRDEARLY LEARNING CENTRE
Public Sector Project of the Year
Dubai, UAE
Commercial Interior Design Awards 2016
From the outset both the design team and client agreed that the major inspiration for the design of the Ladybird Early Learning Centre should inspire young minds through the creative use of natural light, views, internal and external spatial sequences. In keeping with this, and the LEED Gold aspiration, the team created a simple contemporary structure that responds to the site and environment in a holistic and low tech approach.
All classrooms facing onto the courtyard have large glazed screens that open onto shaded play decks that further blurs the distinction between inside and out.
This interior landscape was designed to enable pupils to learn by discovery and exploration. Internal streets with road markings and roundabouts, and even a duck pond, are punctuated with houses between each open classrooms to represent an exterior landscape.
The houses double as bathrooms, storage and washing facilities for both children and adults. Each of the age groups is represented by a different colour of ladybird to delineate departments.
THE ARCADIA SCHOOL’SPRIMARY CAMPUSDubai, UAE
Sustainable Project of the YearMiddle East MEP Awards 2016
DUBAI COLLEGENEW RECEPTION BUILDINGDubai, UAE
DUBAI COLLEGE D-BLOCKDubai, UAE
Before
LECTURE HALL refurbishmentDubai College, UAE
After
DUBAI COLLEGE E-BLOCKrefurbishmentDubai College, UAE
DUBAI COLLEGE AUDITORIUMDubai, UAE
GAJ have been responsible for the complete design of this Secondary School, comprising classrooms, specialist laboratories, swimming pool, lecture theatre, multipurpose hall, design technology centre, and associated external works. The 900-seat auditorium was completed in 2009 along with an accommodation building and sixth form extensions.
EMIRATESINTERNATIONAL SCHOOLDubai, UAE
On arrival at Emirates International School - Jumeirah visitors encounter the first key spaces of the main entrance, reception area and central atrium. These spaces represent the standard of the school, communicating the ethos of EIS -Jumeirah and its aim for excellence. In accordance with the school’s educational philosophy, the design of the daylight-flooded atrium is designed to foster social interaction, while creating an inviting space that can be utilised for activities and gatherings
Key areas such as the main atrium, reception, corridors, breakout spaces and the main library with their natural yet invigorating colour palette, engaging furniture, interactive features and incorporated technology nurture the students’ education and growth as well as communicate activities throughout the school as a whole.
Forming the heart of the school the atrium, with its wide staircase and adjacent airy lobby area, aims to engender and enhance a sense of community and shared purpose. Interactive sculptural elements, eye-catching graphics and coloured panelling work in accordance with a neutral palette backdrop..
The transition from corridors into classrooms is visually linked though extending the flooring through the corridors into the teaching spaces. Classroom numbers are illustrated with numerals as well as colour insets for easy wayfinding.
GEMSINTERNATIONAL SCHOOLDubai, UAE
Two L-shaped block are linked by an el evated walkway to create a series of shel tered courtyards which in turn act as the central heart of the project.Particular emphasis was given to the design of the KG environment to achieve a protected and nurturing series of spaces that responds to the ergonomics and scale of the youngest pupils.
The design focused on ensuring that all areas were seen as engaging and inspirational, providing positive spaces both internally and
externally, to foster teaching and learning opportunities.
The main entrance and administration block is located between the junior and senior school for efficiency and legibility, and the palette used throughout is largely based on light neutral backgrounds with natural wood and colour highlights for improved way finding and orientation.Emphasis was also placed on integration, energy efficiency and durability to help reduce operating and maintenance costs.
A simple palette of external materials were selected to help accentuate the playfull massing which has been carefully modelled to reduce the bulk of the overall development.
GEMS METROPOLEDubai, UAE
Based on an evolution of the standard mid-market design, the brief for this project was to provide an innovative, economical and efficient school, whilst providing the best possible educational spaces for 4,200 students, over 23,000sqm. Our approach was to ensure a high quality of both internal and external environments that reflect and enhances the user experience for each of the different academic age programmes.
As a general strategy the school has been designed around a series of internal courtyards which introduces greenery and natural light to the interior whilst promoting natural ventilation and easy access to the landscaped courtyards.
LITTLE GEMS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLDubai, UAE
This was the first project in a new wave of specifically designed kindergartens for the GEMS education group. Each design seeks to maximise the potential of the site to achieve a balance of internal and external spaces but also enrich the learning experience of its young pupils. The simple ‘T’ shaped plan splits the accommodation and massing into the support wing and a teaching wing. Large glazed screens at the ground floor ensure the classrooms have the maximum amount of light and view onto the landscaped gardens, whilst the floating
SUNMARKE SCHOOLDubai, UAE
The building’s plan takes the form of enclosures reflecting the protective identity of the school whilst also creating a structure that encourages a flexible and efficient use of space. At the centre of the enclosure is a large, multifunctional space used for sports, teaching, performances, assemblies, and dining. The central space is welcoming and visible from all points and provides access to all teaching areas dispensing with the need for internal corridors.
Classroom clusters are turned inwards towards inner courtyards to reflect the protective nature of the school and ensure students’ privacy. They are interconnected through a fabric of gardens, patios, loggias, and terraces.
Social, cultural and sports play areas have been developed at different levels to separate different school stages while keeping the visual relation between them. The typical horizontal split between floors has been dissolved by creating visual connections between all levels with Spanish steps that further enhance this connectivity for social interactions.
GEMS UNITED SCHOOLDubai, UAE
One of the first co-education schools approved by KHDA, GEMS United School provides a rigorous and comprehensive American university preparatory curriculum from pre-kindergarten to grade 12.
Combining the best practices of a progressive education with a classical foundation, students are engaged as individuals and inspired to invest in the process of their own education.
GEMSAMERICAN ACADEMYWaqeer, Qatar
Based on an evolution of the standard mid market design, the brief for this project was to provide an innovative, economical and efficient through school, whilst providing the best possible educational spaces for 4,200 students over 23,000sqm. Our approach ensures a high quality of both internal and external environment that reflects and enhances the user experience for each of the different academic age programmes.
The landscape theme for the outdoor play and teaching areas for the school is based on a woodland garden concept to create an informal and natural space cleverly integrating outdoor play into the learning environment.
The initial design ideas for the school were developed in close cooperation with the school principal together with his early years and primary school teams who wanted to increase their capacity from a small Primary to a three-form intake that will eventually feed through to the Secondary with the addition of new Foundation and Key Stage One building as well as a new primary multi-purpose hall.
The school set out a very clear vision for its next stage of growth and development that begins with the creation of a new home for its very youngest students and they wanted the new school block to be one that sends all of its users onto a journey of curiosity and learning. We took this as an opportunity to build on the school’s modest size and warm community feel capturing an overall British approach to education and design.
SHARJAHENGLISH SCHOOLSharjah, UAE
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
DUBAI COLLEGESPORTS HALLDubai, UAE
ISG SchoolAl Khobar, KSA
The initial key spaces of the ISG School immediately communicates the ethos of the school and its aim for excellence. The parents’ café at the main entrance creates a welcoming and immediate contact point for visitors while the cafeteria is designed as a space where mealtimes for students are enjoyable, social and educational moments.
The atrium with its wide interactive staircase aids to engender and enhance a sense of community and shared purpose. Connective spaces and accent walls are combined with a neutral palette backdrop and connecting views to and from the staircase promote interaction and a sense of community in the school.
Transferrable furniture assures flexibility paired with functionality and a bright colour palette together with the use of natural materials create an inviting, sense evoking ambiance and environment for students to inhabit.
The school will accommodate both American and British curriculums within an interconnected series of buildings with shared facilities including sports and underground spaces.
CITIZENS SCHOOLDubai, UAE
On arrival at the Citizens School visitors encounter the first key spaces of the lobby area comprising of elements that inspire to engage and socialize. Soft seating and the use of natural materials bring a sense of warmth, indoor plants promoting wellness and the connection to the outdoors.
Forming the heart of the school the wide interactive staircase with connecting views encourages interaction and enhances a sense of community and shared purpose. A large skylight in the entrance area is flooded with natural daylight, a theme that is followed throughout the school.
A unique Wellness Centre will be a world-class, ecologically driven facility with a series of indoor and outdoor spaces to promote learning and the library aims to promote an inclusive and collaborative learning environment with its natural light, social interactive space and storytelling zone.
Inspired by the contours of the local Al Qudra lakes and its colourful birds, the Nursery design is a light, neutral space punctuated by pops of vibrancy and whimsical shapes of assorted sizes.
The design of the Foundation learning zone seeks to motivate children to learn and explore stimulating young imaginations with its playful hide and seek exploration zone, private reading nooks and its flexible soft seating elements.
Dubai, UAE
THE ARCADIA SCHOOL’SSECONDARY CAMPUS
Designed as an educational facility for secondary grade students, The Arcadia Secondary School will be a new purpose-built school adjacent to The Arcadia Preparatory School. The building, which will comfortably accommodate up to 800 students, is designed with the majority of ground floor classrooms opening onto open protected spaces to the rear providing children with safe access to play areas from their classrooms.
Internally, classrooms are bright with ample daylight and with large corridors providing social spaces for children. Recreational play areas include a soccer pitch and sports courts, multipurpose hall and swimming pool are provided on different levels of the building.
The school will be designed in line with sustainable building practices to provide an optimally safe, healthy, comfortable, and productive learning environment for students and a pleasant working environment for faculty and staff.
AL FURJAN SCHOOLDubai, UAE
In accordance with the school’s educational philosophy the design of the daylight-flooded atrium is aims to excite social interaction while creating an inviting space that can be utilised for activities and gatherings.
Forming the heart of the school, the atrium with its wide staircase and adjacent airy lobby aims to engender and enhance a sense of community and shared purpose.
The reception counter and parent’s cafe at the entrance create a welcoming and immediate contact point for all visitors.
The lobby area comprises of elements that inspire to engage and socialise: soft seating and natural materials materials, bring a sense of warmth to the interior space.
CONCEPT DESIGNS
GEMSAL WAHA SCHOOLDubai, UAE
Located close to Sustainable City, Arabian Ranches and the Layan developments, the plot is well positioned to serve these existing communities. The site has a good elongated frontage which allows separate access and drop off for the key components of the foundation stage building, primary and secondary blocks.
Where possible the individual blocks have been orientated to create self-shading courtyards which become the focal point of the external play spaces. In line with the existing Metropole School, a simple material palette of EIFS external render, aluminium composite cladding and quality glazing units is proposed to meet the target construction budget.
GEMS OUR OWN ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOLDubai, UAE
The main lobby interior of this school is an integral component of the GEMS corporate branding and is designed to provide a warm welcome for all visitors, much like a well-designed hotel lobby.
A fresh, light palette incorporates pops of vibrant colour to create a contemporary feel and high ceilings open up the area.
The Gems 5 corners philosophy which celebrates students, teachers, parents and achievements and highlights the core values of the school is integral to the design.
GEMS WESTMINSTER SCHOOLDubai, UAE
Constructed in two phases, phase one comprises the KG and primary blocks while the second phase is dedicated to the secondary and sixth form blocks. The brief required a full utilisation of the maximum built up area as per local regulations. Most importantly it required the maximisation of open air play areas and sports facilities. Given the existing site constraints and brief the need to create a school that was compact and efficient whilst providing quality space for the students was key to the design.
OTHER EDUCATION PROJECTS
AUS WOMEN’S DORMITORY
Sharjah, UAE
AUS PAVILION
Sharjah, UAE
CHOUEIFAT SCHOOL
Abu Dhabi, UAE
SHARJAH ARTS ACADEMY
Sharjah, UAE
AUS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Sharjah, UAE
REPTON SCHOOL
Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
DUBAI COLLEGE
Dubai, UAE
JUMEIRAH PRIMARY KS2 AUS PAVILION
DUBAI BRITISH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
Dubai, UAE
SHARJAH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Sharjah, UAE
Dubai, UAE
GEMS GPWS City
[email protected] www.godwinaustenjohnson.com+971 4 3237555 /GAJArchitects/GAJArchitects /godwinaustenjohnson
United Kingdom[since 1848]
Dubai HQ[since 1991]
Sharjah[since 2008]
Abu Dhabi[since 2009]
GAJ HEADQUARTERS
Office 110 The Iridium BuildingUmm Suqeim St., Al Barsha 1 P.O. Box 7185, Dubai, UAETel: +971 4 323 7555Fax: +971 4 323 [email protected]
GAJ ABU DHABI
Office 121, 1st Floor Business Centre, Sheikh Hamdan StreetP.O. Box 114698 Abu Dhabi, UAETel: +971 2 672 0012 Fax: +971 2 672 0014 [email protected]
GAJ SHARJAH
Majestic Tower, Al Taawun Street, Al Taawun P.O. Box 71522, Sharjah, UAETel: +971 6 577 4893 Fax: +971 6 577 [email protected]
GAJ UK
19 York StreetStourport-on-SevernWorcestershireDY13 9EHTel: +44 1299 824567Fax: +44 1299 [email protected]
G A J ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN MEP SPECIALIST LIGHTING
