Pinewood International School at Anatolia College | Thessaloniki, Greece | 2024

Architects: Micromega Architecture & Stategies and Alexandros N. Tombazis and Associates Architects
Micromega Architecture & Strategies design Team: Alexandros Zomas, Mara Papavasileiou, Margarita Micha, Natalia Tsakalaki- Karka, Dimitris Papageorgiou, Dimitris Karanasios, Anna Tsoka
Alexandros N. Tombazis and Associates Architects design Team: Stavros Gyftopoulos, Giannis Romanos, Konstantinos Varvitsiotis, Avgi Chatzipetrou, Vassiliki Makrozachopoulou, Ellie Karakatsani, Myrto Koutroupi, Konstantina Franzeska Nafplioti
General Contractor: ETETH SA
Client: Anatolia College Board of Trustees
Photographer: Giorgos Sfakianakis

The project concerns the creation of the Pinewood International English Language School, which is housed in the premises of Anatolia College, in Pylea, Thessaloniki. The school caters mainly to the needs of foreign students residing in Greece, and serves students from 6th grade to 1st grade.

The plot has a natural slope from east to west, with the largest difference in elevation being at the southern end. The proposed school complex is laid out on one level, taking into account the elevation differences of the surrounding area.

The complex is located in the center of the Anatolia College campus. The aim of the design was to create a modern school complex that would showcase the school's distinctive character, be easily identifiable and fit harmoniously into the wider historic context of the campus.

Central Idea and Programmatic Commitments:
The project aims to create a school that embraces multiculturalism and diversity, providing an environment where students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds can develop critical thinking and prepare themselves as global citizens. The school complex reflects this diversity through its architectural style.

The key objectives of the study include:
- The functional connection of the school to the rest of the campus.
- The strengthening of the relationship between the educational spaces and the natural environment.
- The integration of environmental architecture, where the building itself acts as a learning tool for students.

Design Parameters:
The building is based on north-south oriented linear modules, connected by two central atriums, one closed and one open. The central axis of circulation of the complex develops from east to west, dividing the school into two main sections: the classroom section and the laboratory section. This arrangement creates open spaces, reinforcing the interconnection of indoor and outdoor functions.
The teaching spaces include:
- Core classrooms and specialized rooms for art and science workshops.
- Multifunctional spaces such as the main atrium, which can host events, presentations, theatre performances and group activities.

Bioclimatic design:
Bioclimatic design was a key element of the architectural approach. The aim was to create a building with a low energy footprint, using natural ventilation and lighting systems, as well as renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics.
The use of energy crystals and shading systems improves thermal comfort, while planting and landscaping of outdoor spaces create a pleasant microclimate for users throughout the year.

Conclusion:
Pinewood School is a modern addition to the historic Anatolia campus, reflecting the needs of a globalized society. With an emphasis on experiential education and environmental architecture, the complex was designed to provide students with a dynamic environment for learning and growth.