The Brief
In spite of a worldwide pandemic, the International School of Prague utilised the 2020 summer break to undertake improvements to their campus, including their Learning Innovation Hub (The Hub).
The International School of Prague is the oldest and largest International school in the Czech Republic with around 900 students representing more than 60 nationalities.
FG Library & Learning (FG) were approached by the Prague based construction consultancy Sentient, as they were looking for a specialist British library furniture manufacture to work with on the refurbishment of The Hub.
The large space, with its high ceilings and full height windows to one side was to undergo a full makeover, with high specification furniture and prestige finishes as one of the key focus.
The space needed to be to be suitable for use by students of all ages, ranging from 3 to 18 years old, whilst offering maximum versatility and flexibility for the space to be used for alternative purposes such as presentations, meetings or events.
The Solution
In unprecedented times, when the whole world went into a lockdown, the project management of the Hub started in earnest. Unlike other projects, FG could not visit to undertake a comprehensive site survey, rather the UK team had to conduct all activities through video, phone and email communication.
A challenge, which FG stepped up to, liaising with the Prague based project members, adopting the use Of lists and checks, with clear concise instructions, All requiring a large amount of trust.
The installation occurred when restrictions in the UK and Czech Republic were lifted, this time a logistical challenge due to the Hub’s access, only capable of allowing 3.5 tonne size vehicles.
Shipping over from the UK in 3 articulated vehicles, meant double handling by the FG fitting team and local labour.
Knowing these small but significant conditions, which were included in the project planning, plus tight quality controls, meant the project was installed 100% on time, in full, and snag free. As the heart of the school, the Hub furniture needed to be versatile and robust.
To accommodate the need for adaptability and multipurpose use, plus a high volume of users, FG installed a bespoke version of their Landscape Library Shelving. Also supplied with the shelving were matching bespoke staff desks, easily identifiable as the Hub’s point of help and assistance. Located centrally, these provided comfort and expansive workspace, whilst being positioned to maximise and maintain optimum view points of the entire space.
Top quality product and a high spec design was demanded to reflect the quality and standards of the International School of Prague, a reflection of its high level of teaching, staff and facilities.
FG were chosen due to its status and reputation as a leading British manufacturer, designer and supplier of Library furniture, accredited with international standard ISO14001.