The Czech Republic has welcomed the first two outposts of Maple Bear, the world’s largest network of Canadian bilingual schools, with the opening of Maple Bear Kindergarten in Olomouc and Maple Bear Elementary School in Brno. Designed by SOA architekti, these projects exemplify a contemporary, student-focused approach to educational architecture, translating global pedagogical values into a local context.
EDUCATION
SOA architekti’s concept is grounded in Maple Bear’s unique educational philosophy, which emphasizes student-centered learning in environments that foster curiosity, independence, and a love for lifelong learning. The design process, supported by the Czech representative office, sought to articulate the brand’s spirit while meeting its international standards for quality and innovation.
Set within the multifunctional BEA Centre in Olomouc, the kindergarten’s layout rejects the conventional corridor in favor of a central hall, around which classrooms are arranged along the building’s well-lit perimeter. This central space acts as the heart of the school, serving as a gathering area for children and parents, an indoor playground, a small amphitheater, and a relaxed seating zone complete with a library and toys. The cylindrical volume of the meeting room punctuates the space, becoming a visual anchor. Each classroom is thematically distinct, with custom furniture, color palettes, and wall graphics reinforcing the school’s playful, exploratory ethos.
The Brno school occupies a fit-out within the ZET.Office building in the Nová Zbrojovka development, referencing the site’s industrial past through its double-height entrance hall and exposed steel beams. The central hall integrates a lobby, reception, and a multipurpose library that also serves as a display for school merchandise and uniforms, and offers storage and a flexible play/reading area for students. The design balances a robust material palette with the warmth and adaptability required for a primary school setting.
A unifying element across both schools is the use of bespoke graphics, created in collaboration with Graphite Studio, which tie together the Maple Bear global brand with the unique character of each Czech location. These visual interventions not only unify the interiors but also support wayfinding and thematic learning.
With these projects, SOA architekti demonstrates how architectural design can embody and enhance contemporary educational values, creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring for the next generation of learners.
