Client's Perspective
The school brief was developed by the client, but the design was part of the tendering and evaluation process. Educational managers and the Head Teacher were involved in the design selection process.
The initial brief, in terms of accommodation size and educational requirements, was developed by South Lanarkshire's Education Resources Team and the detailed brief was then developed by the Housing and Technical Resources Team at the Council.
Architect's Perspective
The 'partnering agreement' (an open book Design & Build contract) allowed amendment to take place without incurring a negative impact regarding cost and time. This was particularly important in this case due to the need to deliver an ambitious programme in a tight timescale allowing entry to the school to tie-in with term times.
The user was represented both by an educationalist, who had input into the brief and attended initial design meetings, and the Head Teacher, who had input on decoration, play and other areas and who also attended 'partnering' workshops.
Sustainability was part of the dialogue and was mainly driven by the architect in this instance. Some desirable items were omitted to remain within the budget for the project.
Users' Perspective
Feedback has been generally positive on all levels and the users are delighted with the school, which is 
innovative and well-designed, providing an environment that they are able to enjoy. The morale of both pupils and staff has been raised by working in such a pleasant environment.
Teachers have embraced the covered outdoor play areas, which are easily accessible from all classrooms, regularly taking the children outside during class time. Children are also encouraged to eat their lunch outside in warmer weather.
Outdoors there is also a large play area with an all weather pitch and a 'trim-trail' to encourage exercise, all of which is provided in a safe and controlled, environment. The school also has excellent accessibility services.
There has been a noticeable growth in extra curricular activities and an increase in the number of users of the building. A number of new lunch time and after school clubs have been established. As a result the school has employed a coordinator to oversee these activities.
The school has a number of flexible spaces that can be used for a variety of purposes. Visiting specialists and support staff feel comfortable within the school and find the building easy to navigate.
Users reported a few issues regarding the building layout that affect how well it functions as a school. The size of the staffroom, which was altered to provide changing facilities for a child with special needs had to be worked into the existing footprint. These remain as issues for the school, but do not detract from the fact that the users are extremely happy with the bright, airy building which they now occupy.
It is South Lanarkshire's policy to keep gym halls and dining spaces separate. There is also a policy of having full stage facilities within the gym including a lift access and changing and scenery areas. In general, this approach has proved popular, but the issue of providing a central gathering space is being addressed in more recent school projects.
General evaluation of building
The building became a benchmark for the area, and the concept is now being further developed in the latest round of schools delivered under the same procurement route in South Lanarkshire.
The client drew attention to a recent HMIE report that found the overall quality of the accommodation to be excellent, and reported that:
"The school was bright and attractive and provided a very welcoming learning environment... All associated with the school commented on the very positive impact the new building had on morale and pupils' enthusiasm for school… Classrooms were spacious and well-equipped and allowed pupils easy access to outside teaching areas to extend and enhance their learning."(HMIE inspection report, October 2006).
Lessons Learned 
This school has been the genesis for 13 schools, which have been designed and constructed by the local authority, Mowlem and Atkins team and the lessons learned have been applied to projects that followed.
Lessons regarding provision of changing facilities for children with special needs have now been incorporated as a matter of course by the Council, as has the inclusion of a larger gathering space. The success of the full stage and lighting rig and dedicated changing facilities have been further enhanced and delivered in all South Lanarkshire's ensuing school projects.
In hindsight, toilets for pupils are not ideally situated in the school. They are not easily accessible during break time and are remote from the classrooms at the far end of the two wings of the school.