GEMS Wellington International School

WIS: Reimagining Legacy

The Brief

Wellington International School, Sheikh Zayed Road sought to refresh two critical touchpoints within the campus — the Reception and the Falcon Centre (Post-16). The objective was to create spaces that reflect the school’s academic credibility while supporting older students as they transition into greater independence and future pathways.

Praxis was appointed to reimagine these areas as confident, contemporary environments aligned with Wellington’s values and ethos.

Designing for Progression

The approach focused on contrast and clarity — ensuring that spaces serving different audiences communicate the right tone and intent. While the reception needed to feel welcoming and authoritative, the Falcon Centre required a more mature, aspirational identity for senior students.

The Spaces

Reception — A Refreshed First Impression
The reception was redesigned to elevate the school’s front-of-house experience. Through updated spatial branding, refined visual language and clearer communication, the space now presents a confident, modern introduction to the Wellington identity — setting the tone for parents, students and visitors.

Falcon Centre (Post-16)
The Falcon Centre was reimagined as a dedicated Post-16 environment that reflects independence, ambition and readiness for life beyond school. Design interventions support focus, conversation and aspiration — creating a space that feels distinctly senior, while remaining connected to the wider school brand.

The School Journey & UAE Timeline
Integrated within the reception experience is a bespoke school journey narrative, charting Wellington’s evolution alongside a UAE timeline. This storytelling layer grounds the school’s international outlook within its local context — celebrating growth, heritage and progress while reinforcing a sense of pride and belonging for the school community.

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