BSF Sheffield, Newfield & Talbot SEN School

Our brief was to bring two disparate schools together on one campus with direct access to the best of each other's facilities. A learning environment was sought which would encourage pupils to reach their full potential; inherent was the need for a design which was inspirational in style and quality as well as functional and flexible for future evolution in learning methods.

The interior design strategy had to meet the needs of both schools. Newfield desired a corporate environment, whilst certain areas within Talbot required a more informal, relaxed and domestic environment.

We achieved this by centering the scheme around a base palette of materials containing neutral tones, carried throughout both schools, enhanced in specific areas with departmental graphics, accent wall colours and floor designs. This forms an identity for departments and aids wayfinding for pupils, visitors and staff. The implementation of colour, imagery and simple lettering/numbering creates a wayfinding system that accounts for all users with a range of abilities.

The triple height main reception of Newfield has a fresh, professional un-cluttered environment which maximises natural daylight with a full height glazed facade.

Adjoining circulation routes of both schools provides a visual link with the use of a strong graphical design extending into vertical voids through to the floor above.

Within departments of Newfield a wayfinding colour strategy was developed to not only provide strong uncomplicated directions, but also designed through colour psychology and perception to encourage learning of different subjects and how colour can effect us. This was reflected within Talbot's smaller departments to provide students with a familiar sense when within each others facilities.