Plastic chairs that seem to shrink after a growth spurt, tables with slurs about teachers scratched into them, the screeching of chalk on the board; sound familiar?
Classrooms as we know them are soon to be a thing of the past as one trailblazing school is leading the way with modern and contemporary designs.
Not only this, but children will be immersed in nature to learn about the beauty of the world they live in and understand their environment.
Inspired to create something positive from this year’s pandemic, architect Valentino Gareri has proposed a ‘Tree-House School’ designed to complement our new normal.
Consequently, he has constructed a thriving space that will allow for social distancing, time spent outdoors, and to educate on sustainability and respecting the planet.
The invention will see two circular buildings seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor space, allowing flexibility for activities where the relationship with nature is physical and visibly increased.
Speaking about his venture, Gareri said: “The Tree-House School is a modular educational centre that can include all phases of education: kindergarten, primary and secondary school.
“The classrooms are located in circles and have connections to the courtyards and the outdoor landscape. Each module, of 55 sqm, is made of cross-laminated timber and corresponds to an ideal classroom of 20-25 students connected by a central corridor.”
In addition to this, there is a usable roof where students can continue to play and learn.
To complete its quest as a self-sufficient school, significant efforts are being made to preserve energy; notably with rainwater collectors and wind turbines located on the roof, where all students can observe them.
Due to this, sustainability becomes a strong educational focal point for children, introducing them to the environment through the building itself.
As well as traditional education, there will be a drive to connect young people through community activities with recreational areas such as the urban plaza, a café, and a library.
In a further clever twist, the building can also be adapted to create different functions, including temporary medical centres for emergencies or temporary residential units.
Could this be the future of learning? We like to think so.
