GEMS World Academy, Senior School

The Brief

GEMSWorld Academy – Senior School Campus set out to reimagine its learning environment to reflect the ambition, career readiness, and global outlook of its secondary students, while remaining deeply aligned with the IB framework.

A School-Wide Transformation

Praxis was appointed to lead a comprehensive school-wide branding and spatial transformation, spanning Ground to Second Floor – ensuring consistency of narrative, visual language and intent across all floors and learning zones.

The Concepts & Spaces

Reception - A Confident First Impression
The reception was designed as a refined, welcoming entry point that reflects the Senior School’s academic focus and global positioning.

Careers in Science
Dedicated zones highlight pathways and opportunities within scientific fields, helping students visualise futures in research, innovation and applied sciences.

GWALI – GEMS World Academy Language Institute
Branded to reflect global communication, cultural exchange and linguistic diversity – positioning language as a powerful tool for connection and leadership.

Design Technology Labs
The DT labs were transformed into hands-on innovation spaces that support experimentation, prototyping and problem-solving — environments where ideas can be tested, built and evolved.

‍IB-Based Branding as Spatial Storytelling
Praxis translated key IB frameworks into spatial storytelling:

• Approaches to Learning (ATL)
• MYP Global Contexts

These concepts were embedded visually across learning environments, reinforcing inquiry, reflection and learner agency.

UAE Timeline
A thoughtfully curated UAE timeline celebrates national heritage and progress, grounding global education within a strong local context — reinforcing identity, pride and awareness.

UN Sustainable Development Goals
The SDGs were integrated as a core narrative layer across the campus, encouraging students to think critically about global challenges, responsibility and impact — aligning seamlessly with GWA’s values-driven education.

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Designing for the Senior Learner

Every decision across the campus was guided by a clear principle:
spaces should prepare students for life beyond school.

The design language balances maturity with inspiration — encouraging independence, purpose and confidence.