Designed by fjcstudio, Australia’s Darlington Public School won this year’s prestigious World Building of the Year Award. This was announced at the World Architecture (WAF) in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The school was appreciated for its sensitive and inclusive approach to early learning and education.
It is the second school to win the World Building of the Year Award in a row, and it is tucked away in an inner-city suburb of Sydney. An old 1970s school on the site was replaced to create the new and improved Darling Public School. The school maintains a strong connection to the local Aboriginal community, and the construction process was a collaborative approach and quite cost-effective.
The school adopts the beautiful Indigenous culture by preserving and displaying an amazing collection of Aboriginal artworks around the school. It also includes a community garden with indigenous plants to help students learn indigenous cooking and culture. You can catch a look at the inner courtyard from the main entrance while curving metal screens offer privacy and protection to the outdoor learning and play areas. This creates a pleasant and lovely light. The structure is also equipped with passive elements like sawtooth roof angled to the sun, high-level glazing, and protective curved screens,
“The architect of the winning project explored and extended the formal program of the client, to include the views and experience of the local community and a variety of users,” said Paul Finch, Programme Director of the World Architecture Festival. “This generated a reading of the history of place, culture, and time. “The result of the project is poetic, a building in which topography and landscape, inside and outside, form and materials, flow seamlessly in an unexpectedly delightful way. It is also an inspirational proposition about the acknowledgment and reconciliation of historic difference – a pointer to brighter, better futures for all.”
The building will accommodate a preschool, kindergarten, and primary school. It will be able to accommodate more than 500 students, according to the school’s website. Since the building process included two stages, classes were conducted during construction.
Tucked away in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India is ‘Cocoon’ – the pre-primary extension of the Bloomingdale International School. This 4000 sqft extension is designed by andblack design studio, and it truly stands apart from the main school building owing to its unique form, and unconventional structure. It features a sunken courtyard that mimics the area’s natural landscape. It flows towards the structure like a hill and serves as a versatile space – ranging from a playground to an amphitheater or classroom. This unique project merges the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, forming an interesting and engaging learning environment, that is a relief from the boxy classrooms.
The design studio focused on building free-flowing and interconnected spaces that allow students to move about and interact with one another, and the natural environment. Full-height glass panels and skylights make the extension a fluid and light-filled space, allowing the interiors to merge with the surrounding landscape. Besides the sunken courtyard, the project also features an interesting undulating roof. The roof is inspired by natural forms like waves or hills, and it seems to move like them too. It allows the building to be at one with the landscape, creating the impression that it serves as “a form of the landscape in itself”. The roof is covered with turf, and it is supported by a fluid structure that doesn’t include any partitions.
The studio didn’t employ any bright and vivid colors, instead, the form of the structure is the star attraction. The inclusion of turf enhances the building’s connection with the landscape, forming an endearing environment for the children, where they are freely allowed to play and explore. The material palette is simple and minimal, accentuated by the use of prefabricated elements and exposed structural components.
Since prefabricated elements were used to construct the building, the assembly was a simple and cost-effective process. The core of the roof was assembled onsite using prefab metal sections, and concise construction techniques. Built-up beams were assembled at different heights to achieve the building’s curved form. The ceiling is exposed from within, creating a lovely contrast against the green roof. Natural light streams in through the skylight, creating a visual effect that is soothing and almost relaxing. The Cocoon is an excellent effort to build innovative educational buildings, wherein schools are redefined to create seamless and playful spaces that support creativity, learning, and exploration.
Kautokeino is located in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle, and suffers from extremely cold temperatures that can hit – 45 °C. Snøhetta was commissioned to build a brand-new cultural and education hub in this difficult location. A lot of thinking and attention to detail went into building this sturdy wooden structure which is supposed to be 90% self-sufficient in heating and cooling. Named, this building was constructed in collaboration with Joar Nango and 70°N arkitektur. The word ‘Čoarvemátta’ is derived from the Sami words for horn and root, which are the strongest parts of the reindeer’s antler. The hub is inspired by the local Sami culture and will be hosting the Sami National Theatre Beaivváš and the Sami High School and Reindeer Herding School.
The structure occupies around 77,500 sq ft and is constructed mainly from wood. It features an impressive 53,000-sq-ft sloping roof that slowly moves towards the ground. The exterior was built using the slate from a previous school which has been demolished. The hub has a branching shape which creates surreal outdoor spaces. The south-facing space functions as the main entrance, and is protected by the dipping roof. The interior is equipped with theater and school areas, as well as a cool skylight inspired by a traditional Sami smoke hole. The interior is subtle yet beautiful, letting the natural beauty of the wood truly shine. The interior is also amped with traditional art by respected Sami artists. These pieces add hints of red and blue to the space, livening it up.
“The building is 90% self-sufficient in energy to heating and cooling thanks to 40 geowells drilled about 250 meters [820 ft] into the ground,” said Snøhetta. “The wells supply two heat pumps that both heat and cool the building, while exchangers for the energy wells dump surplus heat back again. On the coldest winter days, the system is supplemented with an electric boiler.”
The Čoarvemátta is in complete accordance with the requirements of the Passive House Standard – a strict green building standard that needs a high level of insulation and air-tightness. The hub also utilizes geothermal heating. The landscaping around the Čoarvemátta has been kept natural since Sami culture does not include creating parks and urban spaces. The soil that was removed from the site has been preserved, stored, and returned, ensuring the safety of the seed stocks.
In an exciting blend of vibrant culture and innovative architecture, Heatherwick Studio has unveiled the stunning visuals for a new school in Bogotá, Colombia. This groundbreaking project, set to rise on Calle 72, one of the city’s bustling main arteries, promises to be a visual and functional masterpiece for Universidad Ean’s School of Sustainable Design.
The seven-story marvel will serve as a dynamic hub for creativity and learning, adorned with colorful, basketry-formed terraces that pay homage to Colombia’s rich craft traditions. Inspired by Werregue basketry, a unique weaving technique of the Wounaan indigenous community, the building’s front façade will be a captivating mosaic of crafted columns and open terraces. This design not only celebrates local heritage but also infuses modern architectural flair, making it a standout addition to Bogotá’s skyline.
The innovative columns of the building, which denote the earthy vibe of the project, are not just regular forms seen in past structures. They resemble organic stones stacked on top of each other, supporting the balconies above. The design detailing of the joint where the balcony slab meets the column is particularly fascinating, and easily noticeable from the ground. This junction appears like ripples created when a stone touches water, adding a unique and visually engaging element to the architecture. The vibrant colors of the columns are certainly eye-catching, ensuring the building stands out in the urban landscape.
Eliot Postma, group leader and partner at Heatherwick Studio, explained that creativity is intrinsic to the city of Bogotá and evident everywhere. He expressed the studio’s desire for students to feel proud of their campus even before entering the building, envisioning a public square that would provide passers-by with a welcoming communal oasis amidst the hard urban surroundings.
Heatherwick Studio’s design goes beyond aesthetics; it aims to create a central gathering space for the Universidad Ean campus. The new building will complement existing heritage structures, introducing a rare and much-needed public space in the heart of the city. The design team is also pioneering the use of innovative façade materials to withstand Bogotá’s intense sunlight, ensuring the building’s resilience and longevity.
Colombia, celebrated as the world’s second most biodiverse country, positions Bogotá as a leader in sustainable development. Universidad Ean’s ambitious vision includes integrating elements of the surrounding cloud forest into the building, embodying the country’s natural beauty. Heatherwick Studio’s biophilic design will feature local plant species on the terraces, seamlessly merging nature with urban life and aligning with Bogotá’s commitment to the C40 Urban Nature Declaration.
The building’s design is a testament to Colombia’s weaving traditions, with columns adorned in colorful, curved lines supporting the circular terraces above. This weaving texture reflects the artistry of local practices, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Heatherwick Studio’s first project in South America is set to break ground in 2025. This landmark building not only stands as a beacon of sustainable design but also celebrates Colombia’s vibrant cultural and natural heritage, promising to be a source of pride and inspiration for students and citizens alike.
If you’re heading back to school, then you need a set of efficient and well-designed stationery products to help you reach your utmost potential. Having the right assortments of stationery designs is crucial, as these are the objects that are gonna help you get through your school day and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you get your school work done easily, efficiently, and effectively. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty stationery designs that you must own! From an everlasting all-metal pencil to a kintsugi-inspired notebook – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs.
1. MagBoard Clipboard
Dubbed the MagBoard Clipboard, this unique stationery product is functional and innovative. It is designed to be a notepad/clipboard hybrid. It uses a magnet and lever mechanism which holds the sheets in one spot. It is a great tool for noting down your thoughts and ideas.
The clipboard is truly unique and one-of-a-kind, and it gives a transformation to the ordinary notepad. You can elevate your note-taking experience, without having to deal with the typical hassles of a notebook.
What we like
Lightweight and compact form
The papers are held safely by levers and magnets
What we dislike
It is best paired with specific sizes, which may not suit everyone’s needs
2. Everlasting Metal Pencil
If you’re preparing your back to school kit, then you prolly want to add the Everlasting Metal Pencil to it. This unique pen is like a Wacom stylus, with a tip that doesn’t need to be sharpened or replaced. With the Everlasting Metal Pencil, you can fully focus on the tasks at hand, instead of the lead.
The shaft is octagonal and created from aluminium, housing a special alloy core. You might expect the pencil to leave heavy grooves on paper, but instead it draws like a real pencil, and the tip doesn’t wear down even after dozens of marks.
What we like
Equipped with a metal core instead of clay or charcoal
What we dislike
The pencil doesn’t smudge or smear like normal graphite, which is a drawback for those who use smudging techniques
3. Quick Access Pencil Sharpener Stand
Say hello to the Quick Access Pencil Sharpener Stand! You can bid farewell to dull pencils with this sharpener that’s there whenever you need, as it holds your pencil too! It is a disc-shaped stationery item that serves as a pencil sharpener and a pencil stand, making it the perfect product made in heaven.
The sharpener stand features a brass mechanism which ensures the wooden cover never opens by mistake, spilling the shavings within. It ensures your favorite pencil is always sharp, and easily accessible and within reach.
What we dislike
Serves as a sharpener as well as an elegant pencil stand
Equipped with a specially angled sharpeners which ensures the pencil lasts longer
What we dislike
Doesn’t seem like a very portable and easy-to-carry product
4. Author Clock
Meet the Author Clock – a novel and new way to tell time! This modern and innovative clock showcases the time via unique literary quotes every minute – this is essentially time-telling reimagined. This clock converts time-telling into a playful and whimsical event, allowing you to visit priceless moments in literature and writing history.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Author Clock includes thousands of different quotes from a diverse range of authors. It is a creative, fun, and inspiring way to check and tell the time. If youre someone who loves reading, and collecting books, then the imaginative Author Clock is the one for you.
What we like
Includes 2000 quotes from authors spanning six centuries
What we dislike
Response time is a bit slow as compared to other lightning-fast devices
5. Kintsugi Plain Notebook
This beautiful little notebook is inspired by Kintsugi – the Japanese art of repairing and fixing cracks in pottery with gold lacquer. This notebook features a unique and simple design cover, which conceals a deeper meaning, inspiring users to reflect, and encouraging them to leave imperfect little marks on the paper.
It encourages you to jot down happy memories or profound ideas with complete freedom. The notebook is made using sustainable bagasse paper, and it represents your own inner healing, and the healing of the planet.
What we like
Perfectly captures the spirit and beauty of Japanese culture
Features unique branch-like golden lines on the black cover
What we dislike
The notebook currently comes only in plain paper version whereas a lined variant would be better suited for college use.
6. Royi Stationery
Called Royi Stationery, these stationery designs are unlike anything we’ve seen before. The designs all have stories to tell, and they aren’t just regular old staplers and hard disks, they’re see-through, showcasing what is inside them. The stationery set is based on the tale of the naked king, whose obsession with vanity, leads to his downfall.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Royi Stationery collection includes a stapler with an interesting twist. It is transparent, and you can peek into the inner workings. You can even watch the staple punching through the papers, which is quite fascinating to look at.
What we like
The designs are an encouragement to be honest and open
Gives a refreshing twist to ordinary stationery products
What we dislike
It’s a concept so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product
7. Quotidian Pen
Named the Quotidian Pen, this is the world’s first magnetic propulsion pen. It is a minimal pen with a magnetic mechanism that will transform the way you see, use and fidget with a pen. You need to break the cap, and bring it to the back of the body, and watch the pen nib magically propel out.
Why is it noteworthy?
This minimalist ballpoint-pen is equipped with the world’s first magnetic propulsion mechanism. It does the job of a pen, while also functioning as a heirloom that can be passed down generations. It is amped with a unique mechanism which uses the strong attraction and repelling forces of rare earth magnets to create a seamless and smooth experience.
What we like
Serves as an interesting fidget toy keeping your mind active
Features a minimal and elegant design
What we dislike
Users may take a while to adjust and adapt to the unique form
8. Bari Desk Tray Collection
The Bari Desk Tray Collection includes four separate products with a similar DNA, since one product cant meet all the needs of different users. So instead of making one big product, a series of trays were created functioning as four unique designs, that can be used for a bunch of different places
Why is it noteworthy?
The four products are shaped like blocks, and they share the same thin square platform. One block is equipped with a fixed cylinder and it can be used to hold writing instruments or tools. Another block features a circular indentation and you can use it to hold your mug or glass.
What we like
Sustainable products with a minimal and simple design ethos
What we dislike
Since there are four products, it maybe tough to carry them around
9. FlipClip
Called the FlipClip, this unique stationery design is for hardback notebooks. You can attach FlipClip to any notebook, whether you’re working on a desk or if you’re on the move. It offers easy storage and accessory to your essential and favorite stationery items.
Why is it noteworthy?
The FlipClip serves as the perfect companion for your hardback notebooks. You can carry your favorite pens and writing instruments with you wherever you go. It ensures that your notebook and pens are always paired up together, you shouldnt worry about leaving any behind.
What we like
Ensures your writing instruments and notebook are always together
What we dislike
There aren’t different size and color options
10. OZ Stationery
Called the OZ Stationery, this collection is creating its own niche in the stationery industry by serving as a practical and well-designed product which perfectly represents the user’s personality and artistic inclinations. It is designed to cater to the needs and requirements of the creative demographic.
Why is it noteworthy?
With OZ Stationery, the designers wanted to build a bunch of personal stationery products which truly represent popular art movements, and their philosophies. The intended audience are creatives who relate to certain artistic emotions, artists or movements.
What we like
They’re an excellent means of self-expression, and great gifting options
What we dislike
The products have a unique form, so users may take some time to adjust to them
Designed by the Brazilian architectural firm Studio MEMM, this preschool concept has been tucked away in the natural setting of Ethiopia. The school is designed to be visually appealing and attempts to strike a serene balance between architecture and nature, creating an educational setting that is conducive to learning, and keeps the students inspired and intrigued. Studio MEMM participated in a competition to design the preschool and the resultant structure is a dynamic building that serves as a natural space for a fun yet valuable education.
While designing the building, the architecture team wanted to create something that not only supports learning but also serves as a playful center where children can engage, interact, as well as imagine and discover new things. The buildings were designed to be stimulating, featuring open windows, that offer constant access to sunlight and fresh air. Expansive classrooms create a space that is free-flowing and open, so the kids don’t feel caged in. The space is intended to encourage coexistence and teaching, while due respect is paid to its natural surroundings. The overall structure was split into smaller volumes, adding fluidity to the entire site. Doors and walls have been designed as moving panels in an effort to add flexibility, while also ensuring easy access to the outdoors.
There were budget constraints, as well as limitations of materials. These issues posed challenges, and hence excavated earth was utilized to build the classroom walls, and the forms on the outside. This earth was excavated from the site itself, and it elevates the auditorium-like landscaping. Since Ethiopia doesn’t always have access to electricity, the studio focused on natural lighting and ventilation quite a bit. Moveable panels were installed to ensure this.
The entire school is made up of a number of classrooms – ranging from small to large. It has been equipped with bleachers with blackboards and open gardens, which also serve as spaces for local community gatherings. Since elements of indoor-outdoor design were incorporated, students can learn inside the school, as well as outside, promoting interactive and novel ways of learning.
If you’re currently in school or university, then you know how important the right set of stationery designs is. You need to have a collection of stationery designs that provide you with value and make your everyday tasks easy to complete with efficiency. These are the objects that are gonna help you get through your day, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. From an everlasting all-metal pencil to minimal Japanese drawing pads – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs at school.
1. Pen Fan
Called the Pen Fan, this nifty and unique stationery design is a must-have school supply. It is designed to be a cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set, accommodating 8 different flat-head sketch pens in a nifty, compact, and pretty easy-to-carry set.
Why is it noteworthy?
The various flat pens are interconnected, creating a cute little Japanese-fan-style layout that proudly showcases all 8 colors, letting you pick and choose from them. The pens are detachable, and you can easily snap on and off the pens, to create a palette that caters to you.
What we like
Easy-to-carry portable set
Reduces the risk of losing any of the pens
What we dislike
There are only 8 colors to pick from, which can be limiting. There could have been more color options
2. Everlasting Metal Pencil
If you’re looking for a pencil to carry to school, you could consider the Everlasting Metal Pencil. It is a Wacom-like style with a tip that doesn’t need to be sharpened or replaced. It is a unique and one-of-a-kind pen that lets you focus on the task at hand – whether it is writing, drawing, sketching, etc.
The pencil’s octagonal shaft is built from aluminum, and it has a special alloy core. This may make you feel that it might just leave heavy grooves on your paper, but it draws like a real pencil, without the tip getting worn down, even after dozens of marks. It’s a great tool for school, where you constantly need to be scrolling or sketching something away.
What we like
Features a metal core, not a clay or charcoal one, so it wears away quite slowly, and might even outlive you
What we dislike
If you’re someone who uses smudging techniques at school, this pencil isn’t recommended, as it doesn’t smear or smudge like normal graphite
3. Japanese Drawing Pad
If you’re a true stationery connoisseur, then you are well aware of the value and beauty of Japanese paper. It’s a wonderful material that has been revered by artists and designers for its quality. And if you want to take some lovely Japanese paper to school with you, then you could get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad.
The Japanese Drawing Pad is a premium-quality pad that freely lets you jot down your thoughts, and sketch out your innovative ideas without the worry of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers. The Drawing Pad is a catalyst for the explosion and outpouring of your exciting and vivid ideas. It creates a smooth, cohesive, and engaging writing/sketching experience for you.
What we like
The Drawing Pad is microperforated, making the sheets of paper easy to tear and separate from the pad
It is available in different sizes and colors, letting you pick the pad that meets your stationery needs
What we dislike
The aesthetics of the pad are quite simple, and it seems like an ordinary pad with no USP. But its high quality and value can only be experienced, not simply seen
4. Bowl Sharpener
Designed by Jiachun LV, this adorable Bowl Sharpener is shaped like a cute little soup bowl. The base of the bowl includes a sharper opening, through which you can slip in the pencil, and sharpen it. As you sharpen the pencil, the pencil shavings and residue are collected in the bowl, creating an interesting visual.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you sharpen colored pencils in the bowl, then the multicolored shavings create a beautiful visual. Since all the shavings and residue are collected in the bowl, it is quite easy to throw them away, and they don’t fall or scatter anywhere, causing a little mess.
What we like
Collects the shavings in one place, and no shavings go astray
Minimalist form and pastel color options add an adorable touch to your desk
What we dislike
It is larger than typical sharpeners and isn’t an easy design to carry around
5. Gravity Pen
Called the Gravity Pen, this unique pen is the perfect sidekick to carry to school with you. It places the center of gravity closer to your fingers, creating a cohesive writing experience for you, where the pen is easy to hold and easy to make agile strokes with. It has a larger grip than the barrel, creating more space for a comfortable hold.
The grip has a faceted form, making the pen easy to hold, while providing a more stable grip. The Gravity Pen has a super ergonomic design since it was designed using the smart application of physics and minimalist design principles. It is a no-fuss and no-nonsense stationery design!
What we like
Ergonomic design that is easy to hold with a sturdy grip
A durable and lightweight body that is easy to carry around
What we dislike
There isn’t a variety of color options to choose from, limited choice of product
6. Serenity Pen Stand
A pen is one of the essentials we need to carry when we’re at school. However, a pen can be quite easy to lose, and if you’re always losing track of your prized pen, then you could procure the Serenity Pen Stand. It is a minimal design with a metallic hint designed to hold your pen upright, keeping it ready for you to use!
The Serenity pen stand ensures you always have easy access to your pen, safeguarding it, and ensuring you never lose it. Made using aluminum and copper, it forms a well-balanced cylinder, that adds a pop of subtle color and character to your study desk.
What we like
Features a heavy copper bottom that lowers the center of gravity, offering it a stable form
Sleek minimal design that is easy to carry and set up
What we dislike
The pen stand is quite small in size and could be easily misplaced if not handled carefully
There isn’t availability in different color options, you are limited
7. ForeverPen
Dubbed the ForeverPen, this pen is made of Ti + Ag, and it sits neatly on your keys! It resolves the issue of you needing a pen and never being able to find one. It is said to be the world’s smallest inkless pen, and it never needs refilling. In fact, it is not just a simple pen, you can even write underwater with it, or open boxes!
Why is it noteworthy?
The pen is made from specialist Silver composite, combined with the choice of material you choose. It is only one inch in length, but strong enough to jot down all your notes, while also letting you slide open packages and boxes, and prying open lids.
What we like
Portable and easy-to-carry design
Multifunctional tool that can be used as much more than just a pen
What we dislike
Not well-suited for users with big hands, can be difficult for them to hold and use it
Since it is quite tiny, you can easily lose or misplace it
8. The Horizon Helvetica®
If you’ve come across the Horizon Helvetica®, then you know that it is an artist-oriented piece of EDC that is designed to be an interesting alternative to conventional stationery kits. It is said to be one of the most creative-oriented EDC multitools on the market!
Why is it noteworthy?
It has a credit-card-shaped form that lets you sketch and doodle, form grids and circles for drawings, measure distances, and angles, and even feature a dedicated measuring scale for pixels and picas! It is also an excellent tool for graphic and interface designers who can utilize it to create UI sketch prototypes on paper.
What we like
Using the tool you can sketch, ideate, plan, and measure anywhere
Portable and easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
It is only available in metal, there are no other material options
9. ColorPik Pen
Meet the ColorPik Pen – a super cool and extraordinary pen that accommodates 16 million colors! With the ColorPik Pen, you don’t need to buy different pens, you can simply use it and have fun with an unlimited number of colors. You simply need to scan the item whose color you want to imitate, and then doodle with it.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ColorPik Pen uses a smart color, that is light fast, and water resistant, and can’t just be weathered away. You can control the texture and dimension for writing by selecting any of the multiple tips, allowing you to beautifully and write as well as draw.
What we like
Combines 16 million colors into one nifty pen
Features re-fillable smart cartridges
What we dislike
10. World Clock
Do you ever find yourself lagging in school, not able to complete your tasks in the expected duration?! Well, this is where this unique clock design comes in, but with a twist. The World Clock isn’t your typical desk clock, and has a dodecagonal shape, with only one hand on its clean minimalist face.
The design and form of the World Clock is intentional, as it gives you the right information about your country, but also some additional and fun details on the time in other parts of the world. One quick look and you can instantly tell the hour, while a closer inspection will tell you which quarter of the hour it is.
What we like
The 12 sides of the clock have individual markings for a city that represents a particular timezone
