GEMS World Academy, Dubai

The Brief

GEMS World Academy, Dubai (GWA) has a deep commitment to their mission of ‘Education for a Better World’. Their GWA Junior Campus embarked on an ambitious journey to reimagine its learning environments with a complete, future-ready school transformation.

Praxis was appointed as the creative partner to lead this evolution over six phases spanning four years, and translate the school’s IB philosophy, global outlook and values into immersive, experience-led spaces.

A Long-Term Vision, Delivered in Phases

Praxis worked closely with school leadership to develop a layered, scalable design framework, allowing each phase to build on the last while maintaining a cohesive narrative across the school.

Every space was designed with intention, aligning pedagogy, age-appropriateness and school identity with strong visual storytelling.

Reception: A Statement of Identity
A powerful first impression culturally anchored by a signature design featuring H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the space reflects leadership, national pride and global ambition.

Complementing this is the iconic “50 Facts” wall: a bold storytelling feature that highlights 50 distinctive attributes of GEMS World Academy. Designed as a point of discovery, the wall communicates what truly sets the school apart in the region.

Nursery: Animals of the World
Playful, warm and educational, this immersive environment for GWA's youngest learners nurtures curiosity and awareness of the world around them.

Centre of Excellence: Entrepreneurship & Social Impact
Through thematic zoning and storytelling, it encourages students to think critically, act ethically and create impact beyond the classroom, inspiring leadership, enterprise and responsibility.

Technology Centre
Designed as a hub for digital exploration and future skills, it encourages experimentation, collaboration and innovation, reinforcing the school’s commitment to technology-enabled learning.

Primary Years Programme (IB PYP)
These areas were transformed to reflect inquiry-based learning and learner agency. Visual frameworks support exploration, reflection and global mindedness: core pillars of the IB.

Inclusion
Designed with empathy and intent, the Inclusion spaces promote accessibility, belonging and emotional wellbeing, ensuring every learner feels seen, supported and empowered.

Maker Lab
A hands-on innovation zone featuring drones, LEGO, prototyping tools and creative technology, the Maker Lab brings STEM learning to life through problem-solving and play.

Cafeteria
Its design was reimagined as a vibrant social space, supporting community-building and everyday connection among students.