Education, Berkshire

BRIEF: Studio Fika was privileged to support as part of a wider multi-disciplinary Architectural team to design and deliver new facilities at The Abbey in Reading. Plans were already well underway to refurbish and extend the all-girls Sixth Form block and Zoe was brought in to facilitate both student and staff consultations to develop and define the brief. The works included both teaching spaces and a large common room space, with stunning views across the Reading skyline.

The result is a neutral palette with a touch of ‘boutique plush’. The students were keen to have a space that represented their aspirations of a modern yet calming environment, aimed at a young and sophisticated Instagram audience. ‘Nests’ were created in the common room for times in-between classes were the girls come together to socialise and relax. These ‘nests’ had to be slouchy and the challenge was set to create pockets of ‘nests’ of varying shapes and sizes, which would compliment the diverse range of personality types.

SIZE: 14,000 sq ft