SOA architekti has introduced the first Maple Bear Schools to the Czech Republic, launching the world’s largest network of Canadian bilingual schools locally with two pioneering institutions: Maple Bear Kindergarten Olomouc and Maple Bear Elementary School Brno. Both projects embody the brand’s global philosophy of student-centered learning, crafted to ignite curiosity through stimulating environments that nurture lifelong learning. The Czech studio collaborated closely with Maple Bear’s local representatives to merge international standards with contextual sensitivity.
In Olomouc, the kindergarten occupies a sunlit wing of the contemporary BEA Centre. SOA architekti rejected conventional corridors by lining classrooms along the perimeter and carving out a dynamic central hall as the social nucleus. This multifunctional space merges circulation with play, learning, and gathering—featuring an indoor playground, a mini amphitheater, library nooks, and a sculptural cylindrical meeting room. Each classroom asserts its identity via bespoke color schemes, thematic furniture, and custom graphics.
The Brno elementary school showcases adaptive reuse within a former industrial building in the Nová Zbrojovka district. The design honors the structure’s heritage, spotlighting raw exposed steel beams in a soaring double-height entrance hall. This airy volume acts as the school’s communal heart, combining reception, lobby, and a versatile multipurpose library—simultaneously serving as a uniform retail spot, storage hub, and cozy reading corner for children.
Unifying both locations are original graphics tailored by SOA architekti for each space. These visual motifs—applied across walls, furniture, and wayfinding—strike a balance between Maple Bear’s global brand identity and local character. The graphics subtly reference Canadian elements while celebrating Czech cultural touchpoints, creating a cohesive yet contextually rooted narrative.
The interior design prioritizes flexibility, eliminating rigid single-use zones. Olomouc’s corridor-free plan and Brno’s industrial hall both demonstrate how multifunctional spaces foster organic interaction. Materials like warm timber and resilient linoleum contrast with Brno’s rugged steel, softening the educational architecture while ensuring durability.
By transforming an Olomouc office building and a Brno factory, SOA architekti proves adaptive reuse is ideal for modern pedagogy. The schools’ fluid layouts, tactile finishes, and playful graphics reflect Maple Bear’s child-centric ethos—setting a benchmark for future Canadian bilingual schools in Czechia.