Gallery

COOKFOX Architects, Rendering by Giacomo Vischi

Neeson Cripps Academy is a school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, founded by Scott Neeson and funded by the Cripps Family, to serve the city’s most disadvantaged children, with a robust English language program, STEAM subjects, access to the latest digital technologies and global connectivity through eLearning. A significant portion of the school building is dedicated to flexible gathering spaces, designed to encourage building strong long-term social networks among students, as well as provide meeting spaces for the wider community and visitors. The ground level is open to allow a gathering space beneath the building above and visual connection to a large courtyard garden. The roof features a multipurpose sports court, which is protected by a retractable rain and sun shade and plantings that will minimize solar heat gain, reduce storm water runoff, and provide a learning environment for students.

The new school will incorporate sustainable strategies to create a healthy environment for learning, and to limit water and energy use. Highly efficient mechanical systems, low-energy lighting, and low flow fixtures will reduce costs to occupy and maintain the building. The design prioritizes use of daylight, natural ventilation and other passive strategies, further reducing demand for energy, and providing learning benefits to children. The building design incorporates biomimetic and biophilic design elements designed to teach and inspire creativity by exploring nature and natural systems.