Creating school identity through design

Lister Community School, Newham BSF

This new 1350-place school comprises comprehensive education, social and leisure facilities which serve both the school and wider communities. As Lister welcomes in local people 356+ days a year, the design features a spacious agora at its heart. This bright and airy central space can be used for informal film screenings, meetings and exhibitions as well as acting as a gathering area for pupils during weekdays. A light ETFE roof allows natural light to flood into the agora and enables all-season usage.

In addition to academic teaching and learning spaces, the design celebrates Lister’s specialism in the performing arts with the inclusion of modern drama and theatre facilities. The school has also been resourced as London Borough of Newham’s centre for deaf pupils with every area being acoustically designed to provide leading-edge facilities for these pupils.

Creating a strong visual identity for Lister was a key design driver. Bold use of colour both inside and out, beautiful signage, playful graphics and unique branding combine to create a memorable sense of place. Lister’s distinct aesthetic provides students, teachers, staff and locals with a civic building to feel proud of.