The two schools have kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, dormitories and staff quarters. The Harrow International School is located along the north boundary, with the Innovation Leadership Academy (ILA) on the south, each with two rows of connected teaching blocks to create courtyards and open space.
Situated in the tropics, steeped in serene coastal scenery and a pleasant climate, Haikou has evolved from a sightseeing city to a seaside resort and business centre.
Located in Jiangdong District, both buildings cover 96,673 sq m and will provide international and bilingual education for a maximum of 1,800 students.
The masterplan arranges the blocks in a compact and continuous manner. There are shared facilities, such as a swimming pool, sports ground and dining hall, set between the two buildings to ensure equal access.
Both schools are furnished with green decks and stepping terraces. These open spaces are purposely placed adjacent to the classrooms, accessible from overhead corridors. This measured configuration of functions as well as the clearly delineated indoor-outdoor relationships, help engender a vibrant educational environment.
A unique character of the campus is the semi-open design of the school buildings, deriving from an architectural feature endemic to Haikou, the verandas. Accompanied with a covered passage and communal streets, they enhance social engagement and serve as a totem for Haikou culture.
Classic red bricks on the Harrow International School’s façade reflect England’s architectural tradition in a modern and elegant style, while the lighter red on the Innovation Leader Academy lends the edifice a brisk, clean façade that reflects its position as the younger brand.