Thursday, August 30

Points of Light

The brand new campus for the International School of the Hague is something of a monumental wonder. I cannot account for the years of planning and designing, I wasn't around for that. I was neither nearby at the groundbreaking nor at hand during the bulk of the construction. I was around for the finishing touches as the school opened in 2006, while construction was still underway for a good portion of the massive building. I also was there for the ultimate Grand Opening Celebration, which was attended by the Queen herself. That was a seriously cool moment. A glorious morning of pomp and circumstance, and a glimpse of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix.

Seriously cool.

I have attended various events over the last school year, and certainly have been in my daughter's classroom multiple times. (Not my son's though, a Mama cannot hover around a middle schooler's classes, no! That is seriously NOT cool.) Each time I am in the building or on the grounds I have discovered something new and unique to its architecture. Every time I see it, I am in awe.

This week has been no exception. It is an impressive place.


Without rival in my mind, the best bit is the massive amount of glass used in the design. Large windows let the light pass unabated through the corridors and classrooms. Offices are divided by glass walls, and even classrooms offer a streak-free peak inside through wide glass doors.


In the center is an area dubbed "The Glasshouse" where all-school assemblies are held. It is a perfect venue for activities and social events like school festivals, or science fairs. Quite often the area is used as the rainy-day playground so the children can move their big muscles on those days when outside play just isn't possible.

The Glasshouse is named such as it is nearly surrounded on all sides by windows--three stories worth--beckoning the sunlight to enter and play on the polished wood floors inside.

It is my favorite place to linger.

Especially just as the afternoon sun wanes toward the west and the light floods in and dances along the walls, over the staircases and splashes out over the ground.
Seriously cool.

I really think I am going to like this place.

17 comments:

  1. Hello there!
    Nice and interesting blog, I want to send you warm greetings from Chile.
    Visit me if you want, you can translate my blogs to your own language if you prefer...
    A hug!

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  2. Wow! Those photos! The light! You must have taken those with a wicked expensive camera!!

    I love your enthusism for the job. And miss you in e-land.

    Sniff. But in the end I am really really happy for you.

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  3. Beautiful post. Thanks for the pictures and links so we can see how the gorgeous design plays with space and light.

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  4. What a wonderful place to work! I'm glad you're enjoying every aspect.

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  5. It looks like a fascinating place--to attend or to work. What a neat concept, to use all that glass like that. As opposed to the 1950's bomb shelter look of the school near our house here...

    I'm with SMID--I miss you, but I'm happy for you. Can't wait to hear more about it.

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  6. What a fantastic place to learn! And a great place to work as well!!

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  7. First time here. Hope you don't mind.

    I'd be sure to visit the Glasshouse if I'm somewhere near it. Looks like an interesting place.


    Mike
    http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com/

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  8. Those are great pictures. Your blog reminded me of my trip to Amsterdam. We were out walking and there was all this commotion going on so we stopped to see why police were directing traffic. A black car came out of a building and drove right by us - we could have touched it it was that close. My parents asked who it was and I said "I don't know - some lady". The woman next to us turned and politely said "that was the Queen." Insert American foot in to American mouth!

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  9. It looks like a truly lovely campus! Great interplays of light with the camera!

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  10. That looks like a wonderful place. And of course I miss you too!

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  11. Congrats on the new job! Such wonderful pictures.. thanks for sharing.

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  12. What a beautiful looking school. Thanks for the glimpses.

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  13. Lots of glass - essential for those days when sunlight is at a minimum. Makes things brighter, don't you think?

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  14. Well I don't know what to say--I don't know that I have that much to offer in the way of comments after noticing here that you've been "hugged" by Eduardo. :)

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  15. I love liking places! :)

    It's so cool when I know people who are inspired to awe at well... everything! You are just the coolest!

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