Vientiane International School

EIW architects were engaged by VIS to design their new “Campus Gateway”. It was through this extensive process that VIS developed a project that included a smaller intervention which had its origins as a non-compliant exit stair from the first floor. VIS had been advised by Lao Ministry of Education and Sports [MOES] a requirement for separation of the Early Years to the Older children. They had sought several concepts from a local architect and initially asked EIW to review these concepts. 

In the current climate, both from a sustainability aspect and the cost of building, finding opportunities to create spaces that can do more than connect a space vertically, is certainly a challenge. Through a thorough consultation process and communication between VIS and EIW, our “Garden Studio” has turned a non-compliant stair and shortage of toilets into an additional learning space. With the rise of anxiety in small children, one aim was to develop a smoother more peaceful environment as a transition into the school day. Whilst the space is beautiful, playful, and peaceful in its language, it has also informed a shift in the school program and the way the school starts making this space an important interface. The school community understands the needs of a child of today, and the importance of reducing the stress associated with school drop offs.

The architecture of the Early Years Garden Studio is a wider but smaller tread height undercover staircase, with toilets and two gathering areas. The Facade represents the VIS logo and the school values with playful pop-out window boxes for students to interact with (like a giant cubby). The Garden Studio is an ante-space that has become a centra focus for the parents and students to gather and interact at the start of every day.