A Fresh Start for École Citadelle: Designing a Student-Centered Future

For more than three decades, École Citadelle has been a cornerstone of education in Legal, Alberta, offering a bilingual learning experience that prepares students to excel in both French and English. Nestled in a small town with a rich history, the school has built a reputation for its intimate class sizes, dedicated staff, and commitment to helping each child reach their full potential. 

Yet, until recently, this story unfolded within the walls of an aging convent built in 1925—a building rich in history but inadequate for the demands of modern education.

That changed in 2022 when École Citadelle unveiled its new home: a striking, light-filled facility designed to inspire learning and growth. Located on the same parcel of land as the Legal School, the new building is a monumental milestone for the community.

“It’s a brand-new kind of project for the town,” said Brendon Devenish, Sales Director at CDI. “They hadn’t seen a new school in over 70 years. This is a refresh not just for École Citadelle but for the entire division.”

With a capacity for up to 286 students, the school’s new facility goes beyond being just an upgrade—it’s a beacon of progress. Achieving this transformation required careful planning and trusted partnerships. 

To bring their vision to life, École Citadelle turned to CDI, whose expertise in furniture design and collaborative approach ensured the new space would meet the needs of students and staff alike.

Building a Student-Centered Future

For École Citadelle, creating a new facility wasn’t just about a physical upgrade—it was about embodying the school’s unwavering focus on academic growth and student success. Every decision during the design process reflected this guiding principle.

“They wanted to create a lasting experience that fully embraced their vision for a student-focused school,” said Devenish. 

From the outset, the partnership between École Citadelle and CDI went beyond traditional client-vendor interactions. Working closely with the school’s principal, CDI ensured every layout and furniture selection aligned with the school’s educational values. This collaboration was particularly critical when it came to managing costs amidst rising prices. 

By encouraging early order placement to avoid price increases, CDI helped the school save money while staying on track. “It was a win-win—they saved money, and we kept the project moving forward,” said Devenish.

Through strategic problem-solving and close collaboration, CDI delivered a solution that met both practical and visionary goals, creating a space designed to benefit students for generations to come.

Designing for Collaboration and Engagement

Inside École Citadelle’s new facility, the classrooms were designed to inspire connection and adaptability, ensuring the environment could grow alongside students’ evolving needs. Recognizing that no two learners are the same, the school prioritized flexible furniture solutions that encourage active participation.

Moveable, modular desks and height-adjustable seating made it possible for students to work independently, collaborate in groups, or participate in class discussions. Circular, U-shaped, and pod-like desk arrangements replaced traditional rows, promoting inclusivity and active learning.

A key element of this redesign was the introduction of mobile teacher desks, enabling educators to adapt seamlessly to fluid classroom dynamics. “The mobile teacher desks were a major focus,” noted Devenish. “They were designed to support the flexibility of the new classroom arrangement.”

Additionally, Markerboard top desks provided students with innovative surfaces for brainstorming, sketching, and sharing ideas. These creative tools blended functionality with inspiration, turning classrooms into dynamic spaces for collaboration and exploration.

By reimagining traditional layouts, École Citadelle has established a forward-thinking learning environment where flexibility and engagement set the tone for success.

Beyond the Classroom: Spaces for Enrichment and Exploration

École Citadelle’s new facility also reflects the school’s commitment to holistic education, extending opportunities beyond the classroom walls. Enrichment programs such as science and technology, outdoor education, fine arts, and food studies have been seamlessly integrated into the new space, offering students a chance to explore their passions and develop new skills.

A highlight of the facility is the state-of-the-art kitchen, where students can engage in hands-on culinary education—a feature that was impossible in the school’s previous building. “The old facility just wasn’t designed for modern educational needs,” said Devenish. “Students had to rely on the community center for resources like a proper kitchen. The new building has completely changed that.”

To further enhance the learning experience, CDI reimagined hallways, foyers, and other common areas to create vibrant hubs for collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. Circular and S-curve seating created inviting gathering spots, booth setups offered a restaurant-like feel for group discussions, and floor seating around whiteboard tables encouraged casual, interactive collaboration.

These spaces now serve as extensions of the classroom, providing endless opportunities for connection, creativity, and exploration.

A Legacy of Growth and Partnership

The new École Citadelle is a testament to the transformative impact of investing in modern educational spaces. As one of five new schools built in the region, it represents a commitment to community enrichment and the future of education. By prioritizing student-centered design and strong partnerships, the Legal community has created a foundation for success that will last for generations.

For CDI, this project is a source of pride and a reflection of their dedication to building strong client relationships. “They’ve been thrilled with the service and results we’ve delivered, and they keep coming back to us,” said Devenish. “Our goal is simple: keep delivering excellence.”

Through thoughtful design and collaboration, CDI has proven its ability to create environments where education—and opportunity—can thrive for years to come.