Educational Landscape for the Island Private School

In the landscape design project for The Island Private School, our task was to create a comfortable environment that addresses the needs of children of different ages — from kindergarten to high school — as well as teachers and visitors. Our core design principle was that the environment should be flexible, safe, and inspiring. The school has no internal corridors, so the landscape does not merely function as recreational space but becomes the centre of school life.

The concept is titled “Worlds of Wonder” and consists of seven distinct “worlds.” This idea is reflected in the landscape design as well, allowing us to create a strong connection between interior and exterior spaces. The concept of multiple worlds made it possible to design play environments that differ in mood and colour palette, resulting in a diverse yet cohesive campus.

Worlds of Wonder

When developing the landscape project, we followed principles that support the school’s educational environment, while also striving to create spaces that are comfortable for users and efficient to operate and maintain.

The campus functional zoning is designed to encourage a wide range of play and movement, as well as spaces for collaboration and performance. For safe and efficient school operation, user logistics were carefully planned. To prevent overlapping and mixing of flows, an access control system operates throughout the campus, separating zones and allowing them to function autonomously when necessary — for example, during large-scale events.

Functional zoning of the campus

The site features a complex, terraced topography, enabling the creation of a rich and diverse landscape. All courtyards are interconnected, yet visually and functionally distinct. The theme of each zone is emphasised through colour accents, details, form, and spatial composition.

The southern climate of Cyprus encourages a significant portion of school life to take place outdoors. For this reason, we provided outdoor areas for learning, recreation, and play. All active zones are equipped with shade structures, and all equipment was selected with consideration for heat, high solar exposure, and sandstorms.

Master plan

Tree of Wisdom Square

This zone includes the school's main entrance and serves as the heart of the campus. It was designed as a multifunctional space capable of hosting cultural events, fairs, school-wide gatherings, and ceremonial assemblies. Trees, canopies, and benches allow students to relax here during breaks and engage in project-based and group work. An outdoor café for students is also located in this plaza.

A unique feature of this space is the integration of the Tree of Wisdom metaphor: a mature tree is planted at the centre of the plaza, around which the public space is formed.

In addition to the main square, this zone includes outdoor spaces for teachers and administration, located one level above. The primary purpose of these courtyards is to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere where teachers can rest, socialise, relax, and recharge.

Tree of Wisdom Square

At the science block classrooms, we installed a large research terrace with a meteorological station and areas for group work and idea presentations. The need for physical activity for middle and high school students was also considered, with active equipment distributed not only within this area but across all middle and high school zones.

Near the art block classrooms, we located outdoor spaces for plein-air sessions and open-air classes.

Underwater Land

This zone consists of four playgrounds united by the common theme of the underwater, interpreting imagery of the water surface, sea foam, the ocean floor, and marine creatures. The unified concept creates a holistic and diverse play landscape, forming an emotionally rich environment that stimulates imagination and encourages exploration, interaction, and collaborative play.

Underwater Land

The play areas are divided by age groups for IB Primary and Secondary School. Equipment was selected based on the physical, cognitive, and social needs of children of different ages.

Fields of Ideas

This zone combines the principles of two educational approaches — Montessori and Reggio Emilia. To create the atmosphere of a summer field, we used a palette of soft, pastel colours combined with shades of green and a few accent highlights. Our goal was to evoke the feeling of a warm summer day without overwhelming the space.

Fields of Ideas

The playgrounds promote independence, exploratory behaviour, imagination, and social interaction by offering not predefined play scenarios, but opportunities for children to create their own. The environment is designed to be flexible, multifunctional, and adaptable, with an emphasis on natural materials, tactile experience, and a connection to the landscape.

Dreamers’ Lake

This area includes a playground for IB Kindergarten. The space was designed to accommodate young children’s need for constant movement and easy access to play equipment. It is conceived as an extension of the educational environment, where space itself becomes an active participant in a child’s development.

Dreamers' Lake

One level above, a sensory garden is located, accessible to students of all ages. This space is intentionally quiet and calming, providing a comfortable environment for rest, sensory regulation, and individual sessions with psychologists.

Space

The cosmic theme is most fully expressed in the technology playground adjacent to the FabLab. This space is dedicated to collaboration, development, and implementation of ideas. The key element is a robotics testing area with a robotic arm. An amphitheatre surrounds the testing zone, allowing for both project presentations and robotics competitions. The space also includes areas for individual and project-based work.

Space

Forest of Reflections

An amphitheatre is integrated into the campus landscape, reinterpreting the concept of the ancient Greek theatre. Scenic walls serve as backdrops, wings, or locations for stage scenery. The amphitheatre is embedded in the terrain and can accommodate approximately 300 spectators. An access control system ensures safe operation when the amphitheatre is opened to visitors.

Forest of Reflections

Martian Mountain

The school’s sports complex is located near the highest point of the site, which inspired the name Martian Mountain. Martian landscapes influence the design language. To evoke the atmosphere of Martian sands, we used sandy tones, smooth shapes, and flowing lines.

Martian Mountain

Outdoor sports facilities are located to the left of the main building and include a workout area, volleyball and basketball courts, bouldering, training zones, and equipment designed for adrenaline release and stress reduction.