School in Kovrov

This state school in Kovrov was opened in 1985. Decades later, the standard building needed to be adapted for new educational tasks without changing its load-bearing structures. The capital repair covered only corridors and stairwells, but even these changes were enough to breathe new life into the school.

We brought part of the library's function out into the corridors: magazine collection and areas for group and individual work. With minimal color means we created an atmosphere.

The main idea of the reconstruction project developed by our studio is to create a comfortable environment for being, working, studying, and communicating.

Special attention was paid to the atmosphere: we used plenty of white on walls, light-colored flooring, and uncovered all the windows by removing blinds.

Zones for individual and group work were placed in the corridors. Between classrooms are cozy corners with armchairs, tables with magazines, lamps with warm light. Teachers actively use these spaces: some check notebooks, others work with students. Diverse furniture makes this area flexible and functional.

It is important to create for children a space for quiet rest aimed at recovery, switching focus, as well as a space for activities.

Helena Pimenova, the director, School № 1476, Moscow

For stairs, we applied a minimalist white design with brightly colored ceilings that also serve as navigation elements within the school. In contrast to the light wall finishes, graphite-colored railings were used.

This project serves as an example of how small-scale interventions can transform existing spaces. Often, old school buildings have libraries too small for current student numbers, so it’s optimal to relocate parts of the library into common areas while adding new functional zones for group and individual activities there.