Designed for Learning: How Space Supports Pedagogy at DAS
Dar Essalam American School’s campus in Rabat was designed to support creativity, collaboration, and student well-being at every turn. Created by the renowned New York–based architectural firm FXCollaborative, in partnership with Omar Alaoui, one of Morocco’s leading architects, the school’s learning spaces reflect a deep understanding of how physical environments shape education.
From the earliest planning stages, the architects explored how the school’s spaces could support a student-centered, international approach to learning, one that emphasizes flexibility, well-being, and active engagement.
The five-hectare campus includes a range of modern, purpose-built facilities designed to enrich learning across disciplines. Highlights include a Makerspace for design and innovation, a Black Box Theater for creative expression, and a Life-X space dedicated to life skills and home economics, a rare offering even among international schools.
DAS also boasts a yoga studio and extensive athletic facilities, including a full-size football field, track and field areas, an indoor gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a climbing wall. These physical spaces are not just impressive; they are active, everyday parts of student life that support learning in its broadest sense.
Whether students are collaborating on projects, exploring new interests, or simply enjoying movement and nature, the learning environment at DAS is built to grow with them. The school’s outdoor areas are thoughtfully designed to support outdoor learning and well-being, making the most of Morocco’s favorable climate. The campus gardens, in particular, offer beautiful surroundings that nurture both focus and relaxation.