Koda’s evidence-based neuro-architectural insights shaped the design of the state-of-the-art creative and cultural heart of the school    

Dubai, Sept 18, 2025: Koda, the Kidzink Office of Design & Architecture, an award-winning global architectural design practice, has unveiled the vision and innovation behind Repton Dubai’s new Performing Arts Centre.  

The Centre now sits at the cultural and creative heart of Repton Dubai, a part of Cognita, a diverse education group with more than 100 schools across 20 countries, including 12 schools in the Middle East. Officially inaugurated at a ceremony on September 11, 2025, the Centre represents a landmark milestone for the school and the wider community.  

As lead design consultant, Koda was responsible for the strategy and design while sister company, Kidzink was responsible for delivery of the Centre, including the design and manufacture of all furniture, including those in specialist areas. The project transformed what had been an incomplete facility into a world-class cultural venue within a year. Today, it serves as a professional-grade learning environment where student talent can group and flourish both on and off the stage.  

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Michael Bloy, Principal of Repton Dubai said, “Today was a proud moment as we opened Repton Dubai’s new Performing Arts Centre, a space that will shape how our children perform, raising the bar for creativity, confidence and expression across our school.”   

“Watching our Reptonians on stage showed just how high they can reach, and with our new Early Years Centre already sparking curiosity, and the Sports Village soon to open, these spaces will continue to lift performance and challenge every child to aim higher,” he added.   

“Our partnership with Cognita and work on Repton Dubai reflects a shared vision for more creative, enriching and well-rounded educational environments,” said Sarah Cordova-Lau, Associate Director of Architecture at Koda. “Every space was designed with flexibility and students’ well-being in mind as it also recognises the role and importance of the performing arts in education.”  

Charlotte Borghesi, Founder of Koda and sister company Kidzink, added: “Repton’s new Performing Arts Centre aligns perfectly with Dubai’s cultural agenda and the UAE’s wider focus on creative industries and educational innovation. In creating this sophisticated cultural hub, Repton Dubai and Cognita continue to set the standard for thoughtful and enriching education.”  

Design in focus   

As the interior of Repton Dubai’s Performing Arts Centre had not yet been fully developed, Koda’s design philosophy for the Centre was holistically guided by five principles: elegance, duality, flexibility, functionality and interaction. These principles informed every decision, from the flow of light and sound to the selection of finishes and the creation of versatile, future-ready spaces. The result is a design that balances sophistication with practicality, tradition with modernity, and performance-grade standards with the adaptability required for daily school life.  

The interiors are defined by timber panelling that enhances acoustics while adding visual richness, and a layered lighting scheme that includes a wave of recessed LED points sweeping across the auditorium walls, creating a dynamic rhythm that shifts with each performance. Navy upholstery paired with linen-toned finishes grounds the auditorium in Repton Dubai’s brand identity, with subtle gold accents adding warmth and refinement. Evidence based neuro-architectural insights, developed through the work of Koda’s neuro-architect in residence, Ana Mombiedro, shaped circulation, acoustics and natural light to positively influence well-being, focus and creativity.  

Durability and elegance are balanced throughout. The entrance lobby was designed as a multifunctional café and exhibition space, blending polished concrete and Corian with warm natural textures to create both a cultural gateway and a welcoming hub for the community. Corridors function as ‘performance pockets’, acoustically treated alcoves that allow art and performance to extend beyond the main stage. Specialist classrooms and rehearsal spaces were purpose-built for music and drama, while multi-purpose learning spaces can adapt seamlessly across different performing arts disciplines.  

At the heart of the Centre sits a 600-seat auditorium equipped with industry-standard lighting, AV and sound systems. Technical upgrades were introduced throughout, including improved sightlines, enhanced accessibility, discreet safety and smoke extraction systems, and seamlessly integrated MEP services. These improvements transform the Performing Arts Centre into a professional-standard cultural venue that supports both Repton’s thriving arts programmes and the wider community. The Performing Arts Centre also plays a central role in delivering Repton’s Pearson BTEC curriculum, giving students hands-on experience in stage design, production and performance in a professional environment.  

The project marks the first major milestone under Koda’s long-term partnership with Repton Dubai and Cognita. Among the other facilities also designed and delivered by Koda are the Repton Sports Village, the upgraded Early Years Centre and a reimagined school reception. The work collectively is the cornerstone of a broader masterplan that will continue with the transformation of the school’s science laboratories, art rooms and Sixth Form Centre in upcoming phases.