DZ Design was commissioned by Fortes Education to redesign the administration area of Regent International School centrally located in Emaar’s Greens in the Emirates Living community. The brief was to turn the administration area into an exciting collaborative and open space that reflects the ethos of bold innovation in STEAM and Positive Education that Regent is famous for.

Regent is lighthouse school for Positive Education in the Middle East and Asia – a paradigm shift in global education where outstanding teaching is based on the development of not only academics but also values, character and wellbeing. Regent is considered one of the leading schools in Dubai and ranges from Nursery to EYFS, Primary to Secondary, and follows the British National Curriculum.

The new design forms a fresh and individual space that reflects Regent’s culture and values and gives their staff, and students a strong sense of belonging. During the planning stage, the board of directors along with the staff were greatly involved in the decision-making process by expressing their needs and favoured use of the space as well as their preferences in furniture, material, and colour choices.

As the refit of the entrance hall took place during the school holidays, the design concept was tailored to a solution, which could be implemented during the construction time.

Green walls are built into the wall which also houses the trophy cabinets with the conference room adjacent to it.  The reception area is equipped with seats for parents, allowing them to sit freely while waiting for pick up, registration or staff meetings.

The portable poufs and beanbags allow students to shape the space according to their individual needs. Additionally, a toilet was added which has a funky leaf print as the main wall feature. The glass has graphics – including the mission statements of the school – placed along the walls, creating a strong sense of engagement.

The newly-fitted entrance hall is a great example of how an amenity and circulation area can be transformed into an inspiring and empowering space for students to study and relax.