a2o’s Post

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall, What's The Most Beautiful Campus Of Them All? Architecural Digest is the latest magazine to rank colleges. The list is subjective, as is typical, but it is a reference point if the beauty of a campus is important. Be aware that if a college wants your kid to tell them about why you want to go to that college, the college does NOT want your kid to say "because the campus is pretty." That answer is a bit generic because many campuses are pretty. https://lnkd.in/eRYZpVHP

Last year we had the chance to hand in a design proposal for a new school in Barcelona with Pau Vidal-Estudio de Arquitectura. The Gaia School represents one of the new public pedagogical initiatives in the city of Barcelona that embraces a systemic and non-directive approach. The vision that was presented translates into an open, dynamic, flexible, and transformative school environment, where boundaries dissolve, and spaces offer a range of potential uses. Its placement within Glòries Park aligns with the notion that the school is an integral part of a larger system, contributing to the city and benefiting from its surroundings. A lightweight and delicate construction is introduced within the original structures to accommodate the new functional program. This construction stands out, creating an intermediate bioclimatic space that spans the height of the buildings. This same structure extends into the courtyard, defining arcades, stairs, and pathways between buildings, and forming open yet covered areas protected from sun and rain.

Architecture and interiors drive behavior. When we start designing more humane academic environments we will achieve better student outcomes.

See below for an update on the Pilgrim High School design!

Higher education design typically evokes images of lecture theatres and seminar rooms, but education design is going through an exciting period of change. Education interiors need to achieve a blend of organisational design and aesthetics in order to create effective spaces for students. Read our latest article about the 10 key design principles for higher education spaces ⬇️ #highereducation #campusdesign #educationspace

Save the Date...   Building on the success of the first Liberated School Spaces conference, ECIS, tp bennett architects, and The Mona Lisa Effect® (Matthew Savage) are pleased to announce:   Liberated School Spaces 2.0 08 & 09 November 2024 Eromesmarko design centre, Wijchen, The Netherlands     Join #educators, #students, #architects, #designers, #healthprofessionals, and #manufacturers from across the globe to explore how to liberate minds and, ultimately, school spaces.   Going much further, and much deeper, than the first event, this second conference will challenge you to explore, and liberate, a wider range of school spaces. In addition, we will offer a deep dive into unleashing your creativity, systems thinking and barriers to change – underpinned throughout by a commitment to sustainability, #wellbeing and #DEIJB.   Whether you attended the first conference or this is your first foray into liberating school spaces, you will have the opportunity to curate your own experience and learning goals. Here's some feedback from last year's conference in London: "It is no exaggeration when I say that the conference was the professional development highlight of my career, and it is gratifying that design is finally becoming a focal point of the educational experience." Jennifer Jacqueline Motre - International School of Amsterdam   Join us in The Netherlands at Eromesmarko’s inspiring design centre. Together we can shift from the controlling spaces of traditional school design to a new paradigm that liberates bodies in space. Registration will open soon, but for now, please save the date for #LiberatedSchoolSpaces2024. #InternationalSchools #InternationalEducation #SchoolDesign #SchoolArchitecture #LearningSpaces #Education #ECISMembership

Transformative Design - How Creative Spaces Enhance Education During my recent trip to Vagamon, I stumbled upon a remarkable and enchanting sight: the Moolamattom IHEP Government School. Nestled at the gateway to the high-range hills, this school greets visitors with an extraordinary visual treat—a train seemingly poised to embark on a journey. As you veer slightly off the road, you find yourself in an expansive schoolyard covered in lush green grass, where a life-sized train stands. This sight, so unexpected and delightful, captivates not only the students but also anyone who happens to pass by. The story behind this unique design is as fascinating as the view itself. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in an effort to spark curiosity and enthusiasm among the children, the classrooms were painted to resemble train carriages. Good Design Promotes Wellbeing: Beautiful, well-designed environments have the power to uplift spirits and promote positive behavior. School buildings are more than just bricks and mortar; they are spaces where young minds develop and flourish. The condition and aesthetics of these buildings play a crucial role in shaping the behavior and attitudes of both students and teachers. This Government School is a testament to this philosophy. By transforming their classrooms into vibrant train carriages, the school has created an environment that is not only visually appealing but also stimulates learning and excitement among students. This innovative approach demonstrates how thoughtful design can enhance educational spaces, making them more engaging and conducive to wellbeing. I truly believe that schools are more than just places of learning; they are beacons of creativity and innovation. This delightful discovery on my travels is a perfect example of how good design can transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences, leaving a lasting impact. #creativity #good designs #education #aesthetics #innovation #experience #sustainable #environment #mindfulness #wellbeing

In the past, colleges and universities have designed and utilized the buildings on their campuses for a single purpose. Whether it's dedicated to math studies or the arts, each building typically had one use in mind. However, with a lack of available land and capital planning taking place, optimizing their current space is key moving forward. Learn how many architectural firms started designing flexible university buildings in 2023 and will continue to do so in this article: https://hubs.la/Q02j9h6k0 #architecture #architectureanddesign #exteriorarchitecture #exteriordesign #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #sustainabledesign #sustainablematerials #createwithfundermax #morethanapanel

This article from Building Design+Construction Media explores the benefits of flexible buildings at higher education institutions. Read more. ⤵️ #Adaptable #EducationInteriors

Highly urbanised environments often lack green spaces and natural elements essential for creating conducive learning environments. However, by adopting a design strategy that focuses on inward-facing buildings surrounding landscaped courts, we can integrate nature into educational campuses. This approach was successfully implemented in the design of one of our projects, HRM Global School in Delhi, transforming it into a serene and calm oasis for learning despite its bustling urban surroundings. The landscaped courts provide visual relief and offer students and faculty a peaceful retreat, enhancing their overall learning experience. Read more about the project here https://lnkd.in/gMnhRwNE #schooldesign #architecture #urbanplanning #sustainability #learningspaces #educationalspaces #landscapedesign