Architecture For Humanity Classroom Competition 2009 - Design Submission by Gensler NY - Finalist

2. . . . the music of learning . . .
One of the things that sets this school apart is its ties to culture. One way they express this through the infusion of musical instru-
ments, specifically drums, throughout the school day. The drums have become a point of pride for the students and are an
opportunity for mentoring, socialization and shared learning. In the proposed design, the drums have become a source of design
inspiration.
This design approach recognizes the music of learning and its key components. The spaces act as the instruments on which the music
is played. By creating diversity of spaces, we provide depth and richness to educational opportunities.
The rhythm of learning is set by the schools’ curriculum and culture. The melody is based on the talents of each individual student.
Harmony is created with larger groups having shared learning opportunities.
Blurred Classroom – Research shows students learn in different ways and at Corridor Transformation – FLI emphasized the value of self The boulevard experience is about improvisation. Each student can interact
different rates. The proposed design creates the required diversity of learning, directed learning through casual opportunities of leadership, with other students, teachers, use technology, be outdoors, and experience
by supporting the individual melodies to create the harmony of an orchestra. mentoring and curriculum based learning. The design approach cultural signifiers such as the drums.
The blurring happens when a traditional classroom box is flexible enough to transforms the traditional corridor into a multi-use space, named The proposed design supports a variety of ways that “spaces can be played.”
transform into a multitude of spaces, from a small group the Boulevard. To many students, the school is their first home, These range from direct instruction to individual improvisation. It provides
learning room to a multi-use assembly space. The variety of spaces provides so this design seeks to provide students a space they can relate support to existing student behaviors but will require more of a shift for
an opportunity for the individual student to shine, thus tapping into each to and take pride in. The Boulevard creates a comfortable, flexible instructors. This shift is desirable, as their current plan restricts their ability to
student’s individual strengths, and instilling a sense of pride. space that activates and engages student learning. It is a social embrace a more progressive pedagogy.
space that provides identity nodes throughout the school, and
can become owned by an individual student or group of students.
Transformative Learning team 3973
The Blurred Classroom

3. BLUR
“This is where I go for inspiration – I go to my mind because I can think a lot.” THE LINES BETWEEN FLEXIBILITY
DEFINED SPACES TO CREATE A
– Student, Grade 6 WIDE VARIETY OF LEARNING
ENVIRONMENTS. MAXIMIZES
USE OF EXISTING SPACES BY
CREATING OVERLAPS IN THE
INTERSTITIAL SPACE.
academy
activity wall
technology wall
EVOLVE
TOWARDS
LEARNER
fort CENTERED
SPACES
membrane
membrane ENGAGE
campfire THE OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT
FROM THE CLASSROOM AND
instruction /storage wall
BRING THE CLASSROOM
OUTSIDE.
technology wall
technology wall
TRANSFORM
picnic THE CORRIDOR BY CHANGING IT
INTO AN ACTIVATED LEARNING
SPACE.
tent
porch UNFOLD
THE BOX TO PROVIDE FOR
MULTIPLE TYPES OF LEARNING
storefront ENVIRONMENTS WITH
billboard MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY.
boulevard drum circle
bus stop REUSE
APPROPRIATE PORTIONS OF THE
EXISTING BUILDING.
garden oasis lab
SHIFT
THINKING TO ALLOW FOR
TRADITIONAL GROUP SPACE
TO BECOME ACTIVATED
COMMUNAL SPACE.
FOCAL POINTS
AREAS OF INFLUENCE
“We believe that true education is holistic. And so not only do we seek to address
TRADITIONAL
the needs of the children by nurturing their minds, but, we seek to address their whole beings.” DOUBLE LOADED
CORRIDOR
– Peter Anderson, Head of School UTILITARIAN
CIRCULATION
EFFICIENT
Transformative Learning team
team 3973
The Blurred Classroom

4. “Even as you look at the school itself the layout is traditional.
One corridor down the middle, all classrooms mirror each other,
nothing special or creative about it. Four walls.
No change in function in terms of the
different rooms, they are
pretty static places.
There is very limited creativity now.”
– Michael Pages,
Director of Institutional
Advancement and
boulevard Special Projects
garden
Themes of Student Visioning Session:
High Tech / Futuristic fort
Inspirational
Outdoor / Earthy / Trees
Sophisticated
“Fun-ducational”
Flexible / Versatile
porch campfire
team 3973
Transformative Learning team 3973
The Blurred Classroom

5. Activity Wall Storefront
- White Board - Panelized Porch
- Sink - Switchable, writable glass - Interactive displays
- Organized Storage - Moveable Versatility and student - School Announcements on LED banners
- Moveable wall adaptability are essential - Stand up computer kiosks
design characteristics with - OLED technology
the Future Leaders Institute.
Learning environments can
be easily transformed from
individualized spaces to
teacher-led group
instruction rooms.
There are multiple levels of
transparency throughout the
proposed design, with the
learning spaces overlapping
and breathing into one
another.
Boulevard
- Drum Circles
- Collapsible Bleachers
- Soft seating
- Floor to Ceiling glass
- Expandable into Learning Spaces
- Access to Outdoor Gardens
Teaching Wall
- Integrated Technology
- Tackable panels
- White boards
- Hidden storage space
- Movable divider wall
Transformative Learning team 3973
The Blurred Classroom

6. Global Awareness
Creates a compass for students so they understand how they fit within There are many opportunities for interaction with outdoor space and
the world. The existing building is in a neighborhood which embraces through materiality. Bamboo floors, recycled millwork and natural
community, history and culture. The design approach reuses and daylighting are integral to the overall design.
respects as much of the existing structure as appropriate.
The use of advanced technology throughout the space will help prepare
There is much needed green space taking the place of what was the students for the future. The roof garden allows the classroom
previously a plain façade. Students viewing the outdoors from within instruction to be achieved in an outdoor setting
the classrooms will be inspired by their surrounding neighborhood.
roof garden
academy
e
alumni mural
i mural
f
fort
campfire
amp
garden b
boulevard
tent
n
“The existing alumni mural is
the best space at the school”
– Patricia Charlemagne, Chief Operating Officer
Transformative Learning team 3973
The Blurred Classroom

7. Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea,
never regains its original dimensions.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
lawns
courts
courts
canopy
clearing
building rooftop
science garden
salsa garden
lawn
balcony garden rooftop gardens
Transformative Learning team 3973
The Blurred Classroom