Make’s bid for the first stage of Kent’s Building Schools for the Future initiative included proposals for Northfleet Technology College, a boys’ school of 1,100 pupils. The design team focussed on creating a highly efficient and flexible learning environment to suit the school’s technology specialisation.A sinuous ribbon of accommodation embraces a central courtyard, with principal routes through the building separated onto two different levels to assist navigability.

The scheme also includes the provision of a new sports hall and improvements to access and landscaping of the grounds. Grouped together with the main reception area, the ‘Launch Pad’ represents a more adult and public environment, with open-plan teaching spaces for individual students or small groups and spaces for groups of students of different sizes. Its spaces include a cafeteria, an internet café, zones for hot-desking and group rooms for more concentrated meeting scenarios. It provides an atmosphere which ranges in character from a coffee-shop to a modern office environment. Located at the front of the new school, the inspiring and uplifting spirit of the Launch Pad provides a welcoming feeling for anyone coming to the school and gives a clear indication of the value and importance of individual students who are part of this learning environment. The scheme is designed to support extra-curricular activities which ensure that the school fully engages with its local community.