Multi-purpose halls planned for six schools

Just as modern schools are offering more than chalk and talk, school buildings are being designed with a much wider range of educational activities in mind.

In fact, modern multi-purpose school halls and other recreational facilities - catering for activities ranging from theatre and music to prize-days and sport - are soon to be built at six state schools as part of an ongoing series of projects launched by the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools (FTS).

The primary schools of Gudja, Safi, Marsaxlokk, Mqabba, and Siggiewi will be among the first to benefit from the individually designed school halls. Work will begin shortly after permits are issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, and the projects are expected to be complete in two years' time.

Meanwhile, works on a new school hall at Attard Primary are now in their final stages and the hall should be inaugurated in the next few weeks.

"These new project designs reflect a departure from the concept of the traditional school hall with a fixed raised stage," explained FTS chairman architect Conrad Thake. "The halls are expected to fulfil a more flexible role, that goes beyond the occasional prize-day ceremonies and formal assemblies.

"We are therefore emphasising the need for more creative designs, incorporating the use of modern, low-maintenance materials and optimising the use of the available space. Secondly, we have sought design solutions that are tailor-made to each individual school."

Apart from reflecting the requirements of the new national curriculum, the school halls are also intended to comply with the needs of the schools' neighbouring community. Separate entrances will allow the halls to function as independent facilities in the evenings and at weekends when the school is closed.

The actual process of building the halls is a challenge for the foundation, since most of them have to be constructed within the schools' existing physical fabric, Dr Thake pointed out. For instance, the construction of the new hall at the Siggiewi primary school will involve the demolition of one wing of the school to avoid limiting the play area available. Additional classrooms will be built on the lateral wings of the school to ensure that there is an adequate number of classrooms.

Another individual design solution was proposed for Mqabba primary school, a two-storey school building known for its fine architectural elements and the weathered patina of its masonry. Despite pressures to construct an additional floor, the architects commissioned with the project aimed to avoid any vertical extensions which would have jarred with the existing structure, especially since the school has blended well within Mqabba's traditional urban landscape.

Instead, the foundation decided to restructure the building internally, taking over existing internal spaces to make way for the new hall.

As the school hall projects are underway, the foundation is also carrying out internal restructuring and re-dimensioning inside the school buildings. "We are actually converting existing schools while taking into consideration tomorrow's requirements," explained FTS chief executive Alfred Ferrante.

For instance, classroom sizes are being altered to allow computers to be installed inside the classes as required.

Significantly, each of the six school halls is planned to be completely accessible to persons with physical disabilities, and the designs are meticulously vetted by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). Even this reflects the National Curriculum's emphasis on all-inclusive education at schools.

This is the first time in the history of the Education Division that so many halls are to be built simultaneously, Dr Thake noted. The projects are expected to be complete in about two years' time, adding value and quality to the educational facilities.

Gudja

Internal restructuring and excavation works are to be carried out at William Baker Primary School, Gudja, where a number of rooms will be demolished to make way for a multi-purpose hall which can seat up to 576 persons . The site of the hall will then be excavated to reach the school's lower floor level, creating space for stores, toilets, changing rooms and four special activity rooms.

Architect Godwin Zammit explained that apart from taking accessibility and flexibility into account, the hall will also have acoustic features: The floor is to be laid upon a sound isolation layer which will minimise the transmission of impact sound.

"Secondly, the hall should be provided with an adequate acoustic lining to the ceiling, and with lighting systems for theatre use as well as bright floodlighting for games," he said. Storage space is provided for beneath the hall, where the sports equipment or seating can be stored when not in use. A wide platform lift has therefore been included in the design.

Marsaxlokk

The school hall being constructed at Marsaxlokk primary has been designed with the environment in mind. The architect in charge, Paul Camilleri, explained that "at the design stage we already knew that we wanted the building to use up as little fossil fuel as possible".

The building is to be flooded with natural light through the use of specially designed north-facing windows, known as 'north-lights', which bring natural daylight through the hall's ceiling. As hot air rises towards the roof, this is released by electrically operated air vents and replaced with cooler air coming in from shaded courtyards beside the hall.

In fact, the hall is surrounded by a circular outer-shell that externally makes for an imposing architectural statement and is also functional from the inside, since the shell provides the hall with shelter and cool shade on hot days.

Other interesting features that distinguish this new hall are those related to its flexibility of use, Mr Camilleri explained: Although the hall can accommodate up to 550 persons, it also permits different seating configurations to cater for activities ranging from Shakespearean plays to musical recitals. The stage is therefore mobile and can be erected when and as needed.

Safi

A landmark piece of school architecture is being planned for Safi, where architect Robert Musumeci has designed a school hall and library block that breaks away from the stark, institutional style usually associated with older school buildings.

"Masonry, glazing and steel features are to be used to contribute towards a dynamic design, which is intended to reflect a fusion of materials, Mr Musumeci explained. The façade is also enhanced by a floating slim curve over the glass foyer, while the colour scheme reflects the Maltese landscape, with its shades of blue and earth colours.

"Our aim was to create revolving impressions, providing viewers with a unique experience from every angle, and an array of views both internally and outside," Mr Musumeci explained. "We wanted to detach ourselves from the institutional norm and create spaces with a dose of style and excitement."

Apart from its unusual design, the school project also aims to be practical, allowing access to all as well as having safety and energy-sustainable features, he added. Secondly, the school hall can be used for sports as well as drama: the stage is mobile and the floor space is designed to cater for most indoor sports, including volley-ball, basket ball and even children's tennis.

A panoramic foyer, audio-room, changing rooms, stores and additional informal classrooms are included in the plans. And next to the library, students can experience a "floating walk-way" or bridge leading to an open terrace which could be used for outside reading activities on warm days.

Siggiewi and Mqabba

Architect Antoine Galea is working on pro-jects at both Siggiewi and Mqabba primary schools, though the two are being designed individually.

The project underway at Siggiewi primary includes a multi-purpose hall, foyer, library, changing rooms, toilets and stores. In all, the hall has a seating capacity of 500 seats, and its structure consists of masonry walls and concrete, supporting a steel roof structure comprising a series of curved steel clad scallops. "The proposed layout blends well with the environment of the existing school and the roof strucure will serve as an interesting feature," Mr Galea remarked.

At Mqabba primary, the proposed school hall project also includes a music room, library and PSE area, and a balcony was added internally to increase the school hall's seating capacity. "The multi-purpose halls were designed to have different seating arrangements as well as flexible use to incorporate prize-days and sports activities," he added.

"The location and size of the site were studied carefully to meet the community needs of the area, especially since the hall may be used by the community after school hours, at weekends and during the school holidays."