RBC Realty has compiled a list of the best modern schools and universities in the former Soviet Union. The editorial staff made special note of the creative approach taken in the architecture of the international boarding school UWC Dilijan College in Armenia.
The first international boarding school in the CIS – UWC Dilijan College – is located in the mountainous region of Armenia on the border of Dilijan National Park. The complex was built according to a project designed by the London architecture bureau Tim Flynn Architects. One of the investors, general designer and general contractor for the project was the international holding RD Group, RBC Realty reports.
The publication notes that the project to build the international school has become a very significant one for Armenia: the country’s president Serzh Sargsyan presented the Order of Honor to Gagik Adibekyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of RD Group.
CONSTRUCTION HISTORY
In the summer of 2014 the construction and fit-out work was completed for the first phase, which includes the main school building, sports and medical centers, a football field, volleyball and basketball courts, tennis courts, student housing and a multifunctional center. The second phase will be completed in 2016–2017.
The construction of the international school has been carried out in difficult climatic and hydrological conditions. The school was built with due consideration for seismic activity and possible landslides. The buildings of the complex are capable of withstanding an earthquake of magnitude 9.0. Moreover, the architects strived to create a pleasant atmosphere which is conducive to learning and discovering the world. Particular attention has been paid to environmental issues and to ensure that the school’s buildings harmoniously fit in with the surrounding landscape. This includes the use of locally sourced materials, green roofs, greenery on the building facades (living walls), energy-efficient and water-saving engineering solutions complying with the leading international green building standards.
WHAT IS UWC DILIJAN?
The international school UWC Dilijan College in Armenia is a philanthropy project initiated and patronized by businessman Ruben Vardanyan and his wife Veronika Zonabend. The construction of the school is supported by the government of Armenia and personally by President Serzh Sargsyan.