The Design Brief

Jellybean Creative have just finished works on the redevelopment and extension of the assembly hall at Battling Brooke Primary School in Hinckley Leicestershire. In the Olympic year of 2012 - it was decided that a celebration to the Olympic spirit of winning and achievement was to be incorporated as a theme to the new school hall. Due to an increase in the Primary Schools future intake - a larger assembly hall was required - dictating an extension to the present facility. Whilst this extension was to be built - it was a requirement to make this new space inspirational and to celebrate the achievements of the year.

 The Design Concept

To prevent the interior scheme from quickly dating  - Jellybean Creative proposed using Classical Greek architecture as the source for style.  The aim - was to create an Ancient Greek sporting and performing arena, complete with an audience. It's aim - to bring focus and a sense of occasion and spectacle to all activities to be held in the hall - no matter how small.

The Problems & Requirements

The School assembly hall is a multifunctional space. It is a meeting place to motivate, inspire, reward,  educate  and sometimes discipline. It is a space to  perform plays and shows to audiences, a place to feed the pupils at lunchtime, a place to exercise in P.E. lessons. Therefore our designers had to accommodate all of these uses in the interior planning and development of the project.

The school operation is an important one, it must be a smooth running operation and cannot be disrupted unduly - as this has a knock on effect on many Families In the local community. Therefore organised management of a Design and Build project of this scale and type - is a key concern and a smooth installation a pre-requisite. Primary School budgets are also tight and 'Value for Money' along with design creativity and originality - is also a major concern of the management team.

The Solution & Realisation

The designs were developed throughout term time and all building works were carried out over the Easter  shutdown at the end of term. To the amazement of the pupils and staff - the primary school now have an assembly hall with double the capacity - giving the school ample room for its day to day activities. The lunchtime operation is now stress free due to the added space, school productions and class assemblies are now enjoyable - and classes in PE and Drama can be held in more space. A truly lasting tribute to the Olympic Games to he held in London 2012 - hopefully inspiring future generations to succeed and be part of Winning Teams.

Jellybean Creative delivered in all areas, delivering an inspiring, yet highly practical space - on time and on budget.