Highly commended: Education project of the year 2024. Andblack Design Studio has developed Bloomingdale International School's new pre-primary extension, Cocoon, in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Discarding typical matchbox-style classrooms stacked next to each other, design studio Andblack has created a visually free-flowing and spatially connected space promoting free interaction and movement for children at Bloomingdale's new extension.

"Rather than opting for typical extensive use of colour in designing for preschoolers, we chose to emphasise form in a way that communicates playfulness through the building's architecture," said Andblack.

"Our aim was to deviate from these conventional notions and develop something unique to the site, transforming the way we approach school design for pre-primary education."

Judges comments: "Andblack Design Studio has ditched conventional school design to create a series of generous and free-flowing spaces for learning, which are topped with a striking undulating roof. The result surprises and delights, and will surely be very popular with students."

Studio: Andblack Design Studio
Project: Bloomingdale International School pre-primary extension