Sezin School: Open Roof Space
Revitalizing a dormant empty rooftop for a new pedagogical space
Transforming a dormant rooftop into a vibrant pedagogical lab that redefines learning through community-driven design.
Brand & Communication Design
35 %
More Space Efficiency
1700 m2
Space Built
3
New Classrooms
100 +
Contributing Students
THE CHALLENGE
Private Sezin School sought to reimagine its 1,700 m² rooftop into a multifunctional educational space that fosters meeting, learning, making, and working. The challenge lay in creating a flexible environment that aligned with contemporary pedagogical needs while integrating innovative and sustainable design elements.
THE TRANSFORMATION APPROACH
The Open Roof Space Project began with participatory design sessions involving teachers, administrators, and advisors to align the design with user needs. Key insights included the need for a makerlab, flexible event spaces, and zones fostering interaction among teachers, students, and parents – this collaborative process laid the foundation for a user-centered, adaptable design.
Sustainability and flexibility defined the transformation. Locally sourced ecological materials and energy-efficient systems were integrated alongside ATÖLYE’s modular CNVS furniture line, enabling dynamic layouts and encouraging creativity.
THE IMPACT
Open Roof Space became a trailblazer for participatory design in education, involving over 100 students in interactive workshops and generating data for continuous improvement. The project set new benchmarks by enabling flexible learning environments and institutional partnerships, including collaborations with leading NGOs like the Education Reform Initiative. Moreover, recognized with Arkitera’s Selective Committee’s Incentive Award, this space continues to evolve as a living lab for learning and experimentation.
THE COMMUNITY LENS
At the heart of the project was a spirit of collaboration, bringing students, teachers, and staff together to reimagine their learning environment. From the first workshops to hands-on prototyping of lighting systems, everyone played a part in shaping the school’s future. By embracing a participatory design approach, ATÖLYE helped spark a culture of creativity and adaptability that now lives at the core of the school’s identity.
Winner
Sezin Open Roof Space, 2016
Explore the Sezin Open Roof Space
Project Team
Project Team: Ali Arslan, Ayşe Esin Durmaz, Begüm Ural, Berna Erenoğlu, Ece Çiftçi, Elif Karaköse, Emre Erbirer, Engin Ayaz, Lola Kotilov, Nesile Yalçın, Özgür Önurme, Şevval Ceylan
Community & Partners: Yerçekim (Photo) Network Artika (Contractor), Burak Koçak (Seperator Design), Doruk Mühendislik (Structure), Katı Hal (Hardware Prototyping), Saf Mühendislik (Acoustics Consulting), Serdar Selamet (Fire Consulting), Seçkin Maden (3D Visualization), Sinapsen Elektrik (Electric), Total Teknik (Mechanical)
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