The Italian town, Reggio Emilia, has inspired educators around the globe with its early education theory and practice, from which arose the concept that the learning environment is ‘The Third Teacher.’ (Third because two teachers are assumed in a pre-school class) Studio G Architects finds this concept as powerful in the design of K-12 schools as it is for early learning centers. Design matters to the quality of education, and different types of learning demand different environments. For example, a teacher lecturing from the front of the classroom is served by a hierarchical classroom.
However, 21st century schools century schools require new types of learning environments.
21st century schools should support collaborative learning and informal connections. By combining an open stair connecting two floors with an amphitheater at the nexus of Sturgis Charter Public School, Studio
G’s design created the social and physical center of the school. It is a presentation and exhibition space where students present their portfolios and other work, as well as an informal gathering spot at lunch time and between classes, thus building the community of learners academically and socially. The adjacent library is the center of resources and technology for use there or anywhere in the school. MATCH Charter School commons rooms will serve the same purpose when built.
21st century schools need flexible, multiple-use spaces. Studio G’s modest renovation of a former industrial building for Hill View Montessori Charter School provides flexible classrooms with multiple focal areas that enhance the individually-directed Montessori methodology.
21st century schools need ‘laboratories’ for open-ended, project-based inquiry, especially for Science/Technology/Engineering/Math, where students can work on projects over the course of days and weeks. Studio G’s design for the Shared Green Roof Learning Center @ Boston Latin School includes interior and exterior spaces that support inquiry-based learning. The ‘real cost kiosk’ is a high-tech showcase in which students can learn from other students’ research on the true cost of every-day items like cellphones. The flexible outdoor S/T/E/M labs support exploration of sustainable technologies and myriad other subjects. The greenhouse and gardens are learning environments for botany, but also for
community service.
21st century schools should be places in which students can explore big issues, learn collaboratively, and prepare to engage in the complex world they will inherit.
Gail Sullivan is managing principal of Studio G Architects, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013.