Though CFBS and PB serve very different educational purposes - mainstream secondary and specialist music education, respectively - both projects demonstrate how characterful, purpose-driven spaces can emerge from tight constraints. At CFBS, listed buildings have been carefully adapted and linked, including a chapel which has been converted into a striking, cathedral-like performing arts theatre. PB, meanwhile, has transformed a Victorian warehouse into a high-specification music production campus, featuring teaching studios, a DJ studio, and acoustically sealed recording rooms. The reuse of existing structures has led to unexpected yet inspiring environments that support learning and creativity. 

Designing for Flexibility Within Constraints 

Despite challenging conditions - limited budgets, tight briefs, and complex sites – both projects have prioritised flexible, high-performance spaces. CFBS was required to meet the Department for Education’s spatial standards while working within a constrained historic site. Classrooms were designed to be discipline-agnostic, enabling a broad range of teaching uses. At PB, every inch of space was utilised for added flexibility whilst responding to student feedback. As many practise rooms as possible were required to be accommodated alongside an extensive amount of industry-standard equipment, therefore breakout spaces were carved out of leftover areas. For instance, the student booths beneath the corridor skylights serve as an ante space to the student hub, and a place of respite from focussed, intense recording spaces. 

Unlocking Existing Structures Through Adaptability 

Flexibility proved vital in adapting these buildings to contemporary educational needs. PB’s student hub transforms from a daytime student hangout into a performance venue for 200 people. Similarly, CFBS rationalises and consolidates 7 buildings and 17 level changes. The creative integration of a subterranean Sports Hall allowed for the redesign of the playground above - now a peaceful garden oasis in the heart of Old Street. Both schools place strong emphasis on shared social spaces, reflecting a shift in education toward community and wellbeing, beyond just academic achievement. 

Preparing for a Digital and Collaborative Future 

As teaching evolves to meet the demands of a more technology-literate generation, both projects show how physical environments can support digital learning and industry engagement. PB’s campus not only offers specialist studios and equipment but also fosters collaboration through its student hub and performance space. CFBS, through a complex funding mix, including planning consent for an eight-storey commercial building as part of the campus masterplan, helped secure funds for key facilities, including a new performing arts centre, science laboratories, and a Sport England-compliant sports hall which is available for community use after hours. These enhancements enrich the student experience while opening pathways into professional industries. 

Spaces That Inspire, Connect, and Adapt 

The tours showed the importance of placing the student experience at the core of any educational facility. This ethos has created transformative and award-winning designs; CFBS has won the 2024 NLA People’s Choice award, amongst others, and PB is currently nominated as Finalists in the Mix awards in Public Sector and Cultural Interiors. 
 
By reimagining existing buildings with flexibility, creativity, and purpose, CFBS and PB showcase what future-facing education environments can look like. As I now work at HLM Architects, an expert in the education sector, I’m excited to continue developing projects like CFBS and PB. HLM have unique and broad expertise in re-envisioning existing estates, maximising off-site construction benefits and ultimately designing adaptable and sustainable education spaces for lifelong learning. 
 
Education environments aren’t just places for learning – they’re platforms for possibility, collaboration, and industry connection.