Pope Francis Preparatory School in Chicopee provides 170,000 square feet of space for 450 students, with the design taking into account new teaching and learning models. The school complex includes an auditorium, a cafeteria, a music hall, administrative offices, flexible classrooms, makerspaces, sports grounds, gyms and a research centre. The architects placed particular focus on a high-quality learning environment, access to natural light, good indoor air quality and low noise levels. Indoor and outdoor communal spaces strengthen the community and encourage learning. The facade was clad with öko skin slats. The elements made of glassfibre reinforced concrete are impact-resistant, which makes them suitable for the building envelope of educational institutions, sports grounds and school playgrounds. Photos: Ditz Fejer