ArchitectureForHumanity_ClassroomCompetition2009

Blurred Classroom – Research shows students learn in different ways and at different rates. The proposed design creates the required diversity of learning, by supporting the individual melodies to create the harmony of an orchestra. The blurring happens when a traditional classroom box is flexible enough to

transform into a multitude of spaces, from a small group

learning room to a multi-use assembly space. The variety of spaces provides an opportunity for the individual student to shine, thus tapping into each student’s individual strengths, and instilling a sense of pride.

Corridor Transformation – FLI emphasized the value of self directed learning through casual opportunities of leadership, mentoring and curriculum based learning. The design approach transforms the traditional corridor into a multi-use space, named the Boulevard. To many students, the school is their first home, so this design seeks to provide students a space they can relate to and take pride in. The Boulevard creates a comfortable, flexible space that activates and engages student learning. It is a social space that provides identity nodes throughout the school, and can become owned by an individual student or group of students.

The boulevard experience is about improvisation. Each student can interact with other students, teachers, use technology, be outdoors, and experience cultural signifiers such as the drums.The proposed design supports a variety of ways that “spaces can be played.” These range from direct instruction to individual improvisation. It provides support to existing student behaviors but will require more of a shift for instructors. This shift is desirable, as their current plan restricts their ability to embrace a more progressive pedagogy.

Transformative Learning The Blurred Classroom

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. . . the music of learning . . .

One of the things that sets this school apart is its ties to culture. One way they express this through the infusion of musical instru-ments, specifically drums, throughout the school day. The drums have become a point of pride for the students and are an opportunity for mentoring, socialization and shared learning. In the proposed design, the drums have become a source of design inspiration.This design approach recognizes the music of learning and its key components. The spaces act as the instruments on which the music is played. By creating diversity of spaces, we provide depth and richness to educational opportunities.The rhythm of learning is set by the schools’ curriculum and culture. The melody is based on the talents of each individual student. Harmony is created with larger groups having shared learning opportunities.

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BLUR

THE LINES BETWEEN FLEXIBILITY DEFINED SPACES TO CREATE A

WIDE VARIETY OF LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. MAXIMIZES

USE OF EXISTING SPACES BY CREATING OVERLAPS IN THE

INTERSTITIAL SPACE.

SHIFT

THINKING TO ALLOW FOR TRADITIONAL GROUP SPACE

TO BECOME ACTIVATED COMMUNAL SPACE.

ENGAGE

THE OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT FROM THE CLASSROOM AND

BRING THE CLASSROOM OUTSIDE.

UNFOLD

THE BOX TO PROVIDE FOR MULTIPLE TYPES OF LEARNING

ENVIRONMENTS WITH MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY.

TRANSFORM

THE CORRIDOR BY CHANGING IT INTO AN ACTIVATED LEARNING

SPACE.

REUSE

APPROPRIATE PORTIONS OF THE EXISTING BUILDING.

EVOLVE

TOWARDSLEARNER

CENTERED SPACES

TRADITIONAL

DOUBLE LOADED CORRIDOR

UTILITARIAN CIRCULATION

EFFICIENT

“This is where I go for inspiration – I go to my mind because I can think a lot.” – Student, Grade 6

“We believe that true education is holistic. And so not only do we seek to address the needs of the children by nurturing their minds, but, we seek to address their whole beings.”

– Peter Anderson, Head of School

fort

tent

porch

boulevard

academy

campfire

picnic

oasis labgarden

bus stopdrum circle

billboard storefront

membrane

technology wall

mem

brane

instruction /storage wall

activity wall

technology wall

technology wall


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FOCAL POINTS

AREAS OF INFLUENCE

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Themes of Student Visioning Session:

High Tech / FuturisticInspirationalOutdoor / Earthy / TreesSophisticated“Fun-ducational”Flexible / Versatile

boulevard

garden

campfire

fort

“Even as you look at the school itself the layout is traditional. One corridor down the middle, all classrooms mirror each other,

nothing special or creative about it. Four walls. No change in function in terms of the

different rooms, they are pretty static places.

There is very limited creativity now.” – Michael Pages,

Director of Institutional Advancement and

Special Projects

porch


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Activity Wall

- White Board- Sink- Organized Storage- Moveable wall

Storefront

- Panelized- Switchable, writable glass- Moveable

Porch

- Interactive displays- School Announcements on LED banners- Stand up computer kiosks- OLED technology

Versatility and student

adaptability are essential design characteristics with the Future Leaders Institute. Learning environments can be easily transformed from individualized spaces to teacher-led group instruction rooms. There are multiple levels of transparency throughout the proposed design, with the learning spaces overlapping and breathing into one another.

Teaching Wall

- Integrated Technology- Tackable panels- White boards- Hidden storage space - Movable divider wall

Boulevard

- Drum Circles - Collapsible Bleachers- Soft seating- Floor to Ceiling glass- Expandable into Learning Spaces- Access to Outdoor Gardens

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There are many opportunities for interaction with outdoor space and through materiality. Bamboo floors, recycled millwork and natural daylighting are integral to the overall design.

The use of advanced technology throughout the space will help prepare the students for the future. The roof garden allows the classroom instruction to be achieved in an outdoor setting

“The existing alumni mural is the best space at the school” – Patricia Charlemagne, Chief Operating Officer

bobob uulevard

acadeeemyalumnii m mururalal

ccamamppfifirreee

ttennt

garden

roof garden

Global Awareness Creates a compass for students so they understand how they fit within the world. The existing building is in a neighborhood which embraces community, history and culture. The design approach reuses and respects as much of the existing structure as appropriate.

There is much needed green space taking the place of what was previously a plain façade. Students viewing the outdoors from within the classrooms will be inspired by their surrounding neighborhood.

foff rt


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balcony garden


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Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

courts

lawn

salsa garden

science garden

building rooftop

canopy

clearing

courtslawns

rooftop gardens

ArchitectureForHumanity_ClassroomCompetition2009

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