The Sheikh Zayed Academy is designed to support different learning styles and 21st century educational skills. By offering overlapping and differentiated learning environments, containing areas for knowledge sharing, inspiration and personal challenge, the design supports, develops and engages each student. The design includes informal educational spaces outside the classroom, thereby extending the learning experience throughout the school. Artistic, graphic design and way finding unfolds in the academy, with references to local history and subjects such as mathematics, language and geography.