Chobham Harris Academy is a new all-ages school in the London 2012 Olympic Park. Opening in September 2013 with a specialism in literature and the performing arts, it will serve 1,800 students aged 3 to 19 and the established local communities of Leyton and Stratford, and the emerging community of the post-Games Park, both in and out of school hours.
Designed as part of a strong new urban grain whose pattern is reflective of existing London streets, a powerful drum form centres three connected buildings. The three buildings include a main building, a primary school with nursery accommodation and a specialist arts building that also serves the community. These define space on a campus that is open, attractive, economical and sustainable. The buildings contain distinctive but unfussy spaces carefully related to the pupils, staff and activities within. Facades are varied yet controlled, and restrainedly coloured.
During the Games, the Academy was used for administrative and security functions and provided a gym for the athletes.
