One year after its opening, we spent two days at the Lycée des Cèdres with students, teachers and caretakers. We wanted to know how the atrium is really used.

We came with plans, coloured pens and a lot of questions. We left with a list of surprises.

What we learnt

• The wide stair is the most popular place to work between classes.

• Teachers use the atrium for exhibitions we never planned for.

• Caretakers asked for one more storage room, and they were right.

The students found uses for the building that we never drew. That is the best part of the job.

Changes we are making

With the region, we are adding storage under the stair and acoustic panels in the canteen.

These visits are now part of every public project we deliver, one year after the keys are handed over.