““Ignite your learning” - founders of E2”
Project Scope :
Interior Architectural Design - full service except Construction Administration, with an added focus on Custom Furniture Design
Budget :
10K (USD) +/-
Year of completion :
2012
E2- Everest Education, Vietnam
When the founder of this education center came to me, and said he and his partner are ready to revolutionize the education system in Vietnam, I wasn't shocked (at all!). This is a friend whom I've known since we were teens, and even at such a young age he had achieved far more than the average students in high school. So when he asked if I'd like to help them design their very first after school education center in Vietnam, I happily got on board.
This was their first of many (planned) center to come; their vision was clear, they wanted to personalize learning and make a real difference in Vietnam's future generation. We discussed extensively about how this 5 story center would be used, because this location needed to break the mould and make a strong impression on those future parents/students,. The ground floor being the first place people see had to be open, bright, welcoming, and most importantly different. It was decided that this space would be a place children hang out at before or after their learning session, where they can either lounge around and socialize, or gather to work on team projects. The ground floor is also a space that should hold events / teachers' meetings - essentially, a multi-functional space. The mezzanine level offers a zoned off area that holds smaller group, or VIP one on one tutoring, while there's a larger space closed off to the side that is designated for group lessons. Two more classes are found on the 3rd floor and the remaining top floors would become the founder's personal quarters, where they can call a home away from home during their travels from US to Vietnam. The original building was bare and dark, our budget was quite limited, but we made it work and fully transformed the space.
This center turned out to be vibrant, welcoming, and just overall a fun place to be. I was told the students loved the space so much that they show up early before their session begins, just to hang out!