RETHINKING CLASSROOMSfunction + design

thinking outside the boxPresented by: Ermais Erpham

Classroom – Shift in boundaries

Panther Lake Elementary SchoolFederal Way, WAImages courtesy of School DesignerGraphic courtesy of Design Share

• Traditional classroom was modeled after the industrial line of production• A variation of this approach sees the corridor as an auxiliary space useful in the learning process• Corridor could be used as:

• Collaborative area for group learning• Display area• Informal learning area

Polaris K-12 SchoolAnchorage, AKImages and graphic courtesy of Design Share

• Evolved from the L-shaped learning spaces firstexplored by Eliel Saarinen at the Crow

School in Winnetka, IL• Offers flexible learning environment suitable for different teaching and learning styles• The classroom is divided into three functions:

• Active Zone: Entry area, storage andproject work

• Breakout Area with soft seating• Flex Space: Seminar, quite individual

work or presentation

Classroom – Learning Studios

Cristo Rey High SchoolMinneapolis, MNImages and graphic courtesy of Design Share

• Two learning studios can be combined to form a learning suite

• Separation could be moveable wall, a screen or some sort of a storage unit

• When needed studios can function as individual units• Provision of an outdoor learning terrace can

increase flexibility and versatility of learning environment

Classroom – Learning Suite

Greenman Elementary SchoolAurora, ILImages and graphic courtesy of Design Share – Designing for the future of learning

• A school within a school• Communal teaching/knowledge sharing• Small size and scale

• Provide focused learning environments:• A group of teachers and other adults

working closely with a particular group of students

Classroom – Small Learning Community

Marine Elementary SchoolMarine on St. Croix, MNImages courtesy of The New York Times

• Encourages movement and fidgeting• Helps expend energy • Helps them to be alert and awake• Helps teacher communicate at the students’ level• Encourages to move, see, play outside

Classrooms – Flexibility through furniture design

Ordrup SchoolGentofte, DenmarkImages courtesy of School Design Studio + Imagine Inspirational school design

• Designed for personalized learning• Does away with standardization• Heightened creativity: furniture = design object and open for personal interpretation • Learning = fun

Classroom – Full sensory stimulation