Award winning classroom in Tokyo. Credit: ScarletGreen "Learning environments for the 21st century", chapter 2 in a new book on educational facilities released by the OECD gives you a few glimpses into the historical evolution of the classroom and looks at what education will need by way of learning space in the 21st century. Although it's about physical space, author Christian Kühn makes some points that can help digital learning designers answer questions like: how do you design the ideal learning environment, when we don't really know what that is yet? The 3 most important things to learn in the 21st century... Kühn suggests that the 21st century calls for a different kind of education to the factory-based rows of repetition schooling popularized by industrialization. Education should prepare students for success in a much changed heterogenous, globalized society facing unprecedented economic and ecological crises. He quotes a study published in 2003 by Rychen and Salganik which identifies 3 key qualifications for a successful life and well-functioning society: "Act autonomously", "interact in heterogeneous groups" and "use tools interactively". He points out that "these qualifications go beyond knowledge and skills". Designing the ideal learning environment -- when you don't know what that is... The implication is that a learning environment designed for the simple transfer of knowledge from a teacher to passive students will be totally insufficient for the very new needs of the 21st century. He looks at some of the failed and successful attempts at innovative learning space design through the years and points out that the failed attempts didn't include users in the design process whereas the successes did. He comes to the conclusion that our approach to design must acknowledge that we don't yet have established principles for what will work in the new millenium. Of particular interest to the designer of digital learning spaces are the following quotations: "Regarding learning environments as 'spaces for teams' may well turn out to be the major paradigm shift in the design of educational facilities today." (p. 22) "For the time being, architects should refrain from the impulse to design the perfect learning environment but rather try to envision the infrastructure that enables effective learning environments to develop over time... Infrastructures, in this context, should be regarded as open systems, well connected to existing networks of learning, both virtual and physical, memorable spaces in their own right that are not derived from any one model of teaching and learning. They should offer options to create micro-environments which are easily appropriated and controlled by their users, while at the same time give a feeling of connectedness to a greater whole." p. 23 Designing an Educational Design Research Studio At the CoCo Research Centre we are currently designing an Educational Design Research Studio as part of the Laureate Fellowship project on Education, Design and Technology, and we have inevitably come to the same conclusion. We don't actually know yet what an ideal space for collaborative design will be, and that is indeed, one of the things the project will investigate -- and yet we need a space with which to start. Our strategy is to get as much user input at the beginning as possible, incorporate this into an initial design, and ensure that, with this initial design, we are creating an adaptable evolvable and customizable infrastructure that can be changed by its users in the process and over time. This should be a space that can be reworked, refined and evolve. In the physical space it might be multifunction furniture, technology on wheels, and neutral visuals. So what would an adaptable and evolving space for learning online look like? Customizable multi-touch interfaces? Personalized content delivery? Links with the physical through tangible interfaces? I'm eager to know what others think...
variables color, tone + base
A recent study suggests that who we are might be more integrated with where we are than previously thought. The fact that experience can shape individual differences, which in turn can affect the quality of spatial and social cognition a person, suggests that growing up in certain built environments can have detrimental or beneficial effects on their cognitive ability. This brings up questions such as whether raising children in enclosed spaces versus open spaces will result in differences in spatial and social cognition.
Everything is design. While cubicles emerged as the “action office,” they created an environment antithesis to work. Says Dilbert creator Scott Adams, ‘cubicl…
Discover the beauty of open floor plans: a modern approach to home design that enhances spaciousness, natural light, and social connectivity in your living space.
An indoor jungle that's actually a communications hub. A ceiling sculpture that soundproofs a hacker lab. A colorful, two-story amphitheater. These are just a few of the impressive uses of space by the runners-up to Inc.'s 2014 World's Coolest Offices competition.
Small fragment of William H. Whyte's witty and original film about the open spaces of cities and why some of them work for people while others do not.
Image 3 of 40 from gallery of Rabindhorn Building / Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect. Photograph by W Workspace
in this new edition, workplaces become open environments that can supply focused and uninterrupted work, quiet discussions or a place to take phone calls.
Completed in 2020 in Premià de Dalt, Spain. Images by José María Nicolás Paredes. The house, located in Premiá de Dalt (a neighborhood on the outskirts of Barcelona), is the new home of a young couple, on a steeply sloping plot and...
Explore sustainable, minimalist design with charred wood accents and serene, open-plan living spaces.
Östra Hospital Acute Psychiatry Ward creates an open environment that breaks down preconceptions formed by traditional institutional environments.
Image 6 of 18 from gallery of How to Transform a Polluted Indoor Environment into a Healthy Home. Photograph by Hiroyuki Oki
Explore Tepoztlán's minimalist architecture, where traditional materials and open designs blend with nature
Surveys have shown that workers’ primary complaint with open or cubicle-filled offices is the unwanted noise. However, recent research suggests it’s not the noise itself that’s the problem. Two recent studies have found that the right level of ambient noise triggers our minds to think more creatively. And one of those studies found no difference between people working in a very noisy environment (the equivalent of a motorcycle engine revving) and people working in total silence. Taken together, the lesson here is that the ideal space for focused work is not about freedom from noise, but about freedom from interruption. Finding a space you can hide away in, regardless of how noisy it is, may be the best strategy for making sure you get the important work done.
Longevity experts say that our environments, much like our diets and lifestyle choices, can have a direct impact on our life spans. Here's how the longest-living people in the world design their own homes for a healthier, happier, life.
Studio Alexander Fehre’s workspace addition for Roche Diagnostics in Ludwigsburg, Germany builds community through a house-within-a-house concept.
Open living spaces and an environment rich in classic style all enhanced with modern conveniences and features. Spaciousness and sunny bright living areas abound. Upstairs are three exquisitely large bedrooms. The 2nd floor also includes attic storage which could be finished as bonus space.
Image 1 of 48 from gallery of Improving the Educational Environment with the Reggio Emilia Approach. Photograph by Leonardo Finotti
Sq. Ft.: 4,952 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 5.5
the project started through a collaboration with blå station which was organised by matti klenell as part of a project within konstfack’s master program.
This incredible tropical beach house is set inside a fantastic preserved area of rain forest, on the coast of São Sebastião, just minutes from Barra do Una Beach, Brazil. Designed by São Paulo-based architecture firm
Image 17 of 27 from gallery of Tagi.Office / Woodo Studio. Photograph by Jing Guo
Edelman's new UK headquarters, designed by Gensler and dubbed the Francis House, supports various modes of work for employees + clients alike.
DeVries announces plans for natural playscape "Not a bounce house, swingset or seesaw in sight"
A Georgian townhouse in Bath with a serene, modern interior (and a colorful surprise)
spazi indecisi's latest project, in loco, is an experimental museum project exploring the valorization of places that share a state of abandonment.
Avec son projet « Open Space Office », le photographe portugais Tito Mouraz a consacré 3 ans de sa vie pour capturer les paysages de son pays transformés
Image 1 of 40 from gallery of Rabindhorn Building / Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect. Photograph by W Workspace
Kindcentrum de Buut Nijmegen Het kindcentrum bestaat uit een school ... Lees verder…
Learn more about this office repositioning project that bridges brand identity and employee wellbeing for Adobe in New York.
Never is the value of architecture so poignant, as when it becomes a tool to facilitate learning, development and exploration. Inspired by this...
Source: unparelld'arquitectes Photography: José Hevia, Roger Serrat-Calvó Three volcanic-stone terraces and rows of plane trees shape one of Olot's best public spaces: the fountains of Sant Roc. It is a damp, shady and cool spot, accompanied by the river and murmuring of the water. It is a wonderful solution for the border between the urban fabric and Source: unparelld'arquitectes Photography: José Hevia, Roger Serrat-Calvó Three volcanic-stone terraces and rows of plane trees shape one of Olot's best public spaces: the fountains of Sant Roc. It is a damp, shady and cool spot, accompanied by the river and murmuring of the water. It is a wonderful solution for the border between the urban fabric and
The design of this spacious traditional home creates an open, flexible environment for easy living. Complete with fireplace, the area to one side of the two-story foyer could be used as a cozy den or a formal living room with proximity to the dining room. A second fireplace warms the great room, with an 18-foot high ceiling, that can be viewed from the hallway above. A butler's pantry connects the dining room and the kitchen. Vaulted rooms on the second floor add to the open atmosphere. The master suite has an 11-foot high ceiling and a walk-in closet and spa tub. The guest room boasts its own private bath. Bedrooms two and three share another bath. A tandem three-car garage allows for a narrow footprint. Ceilings: 9' first floor; 8' second floor. Foundation: crawl space.
in this new edition, workplaces become open environments that can supply focused and uninterrupted work, quiet discussions or a place to take phone calls.
Image 1 of 40 from gallery of INOKI-YE House / Office for Environment Architecture. Photograph by Yohei Sasakura
Image 2 of 6 from gallery of Anupama Kundoo Receives The 2021 RIBA Charles Jencks Award. Residence Kanade . Image © Javier Callejas
Image 12 of 40 from gallery of Rabindhorn Building / Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect. Photograph by W Workspace
Cemintel Barestone prefinished panels have become firmly established as Australia’s favourite choice for internal and external applications and are now available in New Zealand. Barestone panels provide a natural, raw appearance that blends seamlessly into its environment and easily adapts to modern, contemporary designs. The panels feature Ceminseal water-blocking technology and are factory sanded, ready
