2. INNOVATIVE LEARNING SPACES FOR RADICAL GOOD
PRODUCED BY TIMOTHY AHRENSBACH
FOR GLOBAL PLATFORMS | ACTIONAID DENMARK
LICENSED UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS
2015
1
INNOVATIVE LEARNING
SPACES FOR RADICAL
GOOD
a recipe book

3. CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Global Platform spaces 4
Case /// Copenhagen, Denmark 5
Case /// Nairobi, Kenya 6
Case /// Nanyuki, Kenya 7
Case /// Yangon, Myanmar 8
Case /// Suchitoto, El Salvador 9
Case /// Amman, Jordan 10
RECIPE SECTION 11
Cross-stitching map 12
Blackboard calendar 14
Stencils 16
Milk crate boxes 18
Hairpin furniture 20
PAGE 2

4. INTRODUCTION
The Global Platforms are ActionAid’s training hubs for youth activism and empower-
ment. First set up in 2009, the Global Platform network has since expanded to include
ten different locations across four continents.
The Global Platforms provide innovative trainings and capacity building for organisations
and young individuals who wish to take positive action in their societies. Through these
trainings youth are provided with knowledge, skills and attitude to be active global citi-
zens.
Set up in a variety of spaces, ranging from an old correctional facility for American youth
offenders at the foot of Mt. Kenya to a family villa in downtown Yangon to a vacant hotel
in the quaint colonial village of Suchitoto in El Salvador, the Global Platforms have been
ad hoc training facilities relying on the imaginative minds of the trainers to make the most
out of the existing space.
In 2013-2014 the Danish Ministry of Culture provided a series of grants for the physical
upgrading of the Global Platforms, ensuring that they would be fit-for-purpose and that
the learning environment could facilitate the kinds of creative and innovative learning
methods the organisation has become known for.
Thanks to the pro-bono support of Architecture 00 and designers Sebastian Reumert,
Alex Carron-Brown, Owen Rutter, Gabija Bakutyte and Kristian Ravn-Ellestad six of the
Global Platforms underwent extensive refurbishments, the results of which are shown
in this publication.
We hope this booklet can help inspire similar civic ventures around the world and invite
you to try out, mass produce and share as much of the content and ideas as possible.
After all, we can only build a radically better world, if we do it together.
3

5. SPACES

6. SITETYPE: GRAMMAR SCHOOL
LOCATION: COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
COMPLETION:
LEAD DESIGNER:
SEPTEMBER 2013
ARCHITECTURE 00
Global Platform Denmark was set up in 2009 in a former grammar school in inner-city Copenhagen. In
2013 it was relaunched with a new strategy to make it a powerhouse for global citizenship and education
and a place where people and organisations would gather and collaborate on activities aimed at helping
Danish youth become active, global citizens.
The 6 floor building was refurbished in the summer of 2013 with the help of 46 young volunteers (aged
18-30) from all over the world, who co-designed and built the new spaces using primarly locally sourced,
recycled materials. The new centre consists of two floors of learning spaces, two floors of co-working
space for NGO’s, a shared kitchen area, dormitories for participants and an urban garden open to the
public.

7. SITETYPE: VILLA
LOCATION: NAIROBI, KENYA
COMPLETION:
LEAD DESIGNER:
SEPTEMBER 2014
SEBASTIAN REUMERT
Global Platform Nairobi was established in 2012 in the inner-city area of Kilimani only 1 mile away from
Kibera, one of Africa’s biggest informal settlements. Within recent years Nairobi has become the tech hub
of East Africa and has earned the nick-name of Silicone Savannah. This regional tech focus was reflect-
ed in the Global Platform’s training programme, which featured a strong focus on social media training
and online campaigning.
In order to facilitate this, a social media hub was established with a media lab and offices for the Global
Change Lab - an online learning site. The new Global Platform was built primarily with materials and furni-
ture sourced from the adjacent informal settlement of Kibera.

8. SITETYPE:
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY FOR
YOUTH OFFENDERS
LOCATION: NANYUKI, KENYA
COMPLETION:
LEAD DESIGNER:
OCTOBER 2014
ALEXANDRA CARRON-BROWN
The Global Platform at the foot of Mt. Kenya was originally a correctional facility for youth offenders from
Baltimore, USA. The space was later taken over by the Daraja Girls School, who rents part of their cam-
pus to Global Platform Mt. Kenya.
The space forms the ideal environment for cultural exchanges and learning about global citizenship, and
so volunteers from Denmark and Sweden have come here since 2009 to emerge themselves in the local
culture and nature. The newly refurbished space attempts to engender these cultural exchanges through
up-cycled, social furnitures that allow participants to share, connect and learn.

9. SITETYPE: VILLA
LOCATION: YANGON, MYANMAR
COMPLETION:
LEAD DESIGNER:
OCTOBER 2014
SEBASTIAN REUMERT
Established in August 2011, ActionAid and Global Platform Myanmar were some of the first organisations
to support local young people and assist them in getting their voices heard following the recent opening
up of the country. The Global Platform provides trainings in youth and governance and creative activism
and supports the training of Fellows, a unique project which aims to develop young leaders in Myanmar
to work with their communities.
With regional infrastructure being weak and young people from the regions generally struggling to travel to
the capital, the Global Platform Myanmar was designed to enable quick dis- and re-assembly - with pipe
furnitures and stackable timber crates - thereby allowing trainers to bring their class rooms with them when
doing trainings outside Yangon.

10. SITETYPE: HOTEL
LOCATION: SUCHITOTO, EL SALVADOR
COMPLETION:
LEAD DESIGNERS:
JANUARY 2015
GABIJA BAKUTYTE &
KRISTIAN RAVN-ELLESTAD
Housed in a former hotel with no less than two swimming pools and overlooking the majestic Lake Suchi-
toto the Global Platform El Salvador undoubtedly takes the prize for best location. However, much like the
rest of this small country the picturesque mountain village of Suchitoto struggles with serious issues around
access to water, mining and women’s rights - amongst others.
Since 2008 Global Platform El Salvador has been facilitating creative campaigns around these issues and
so the refurbishment taking place i winter 2014 focused on setting up a toolshed to enable young creative
campaigners to build their own campaign materials. Through three creative design camps a diverse group
of people were trained in how to use tools, build furniture and upcycle local materials.

11. SITETYPE: EMBASSY
LOCATION: AMMAN, JORDAN
Originally established in 2010 the Global Platform Amman was relocated to the old Pakistani Embassy
building in Al Webdeh in 2014, which it now shares with the regional ActionAid office. The move included
completely fitting out two floors of office space, training rooms, dormitories, a large garden and a roof top
terasse.
In order to deliver this large scale project on a shoe string budget, the furniture designed was mainly based
on DIY principles, allowing trainers and volunteers to assemble the pieces themselves from pre-ordered
materials following simple step-by-step instructions. To enable this a design catalogue was created, which
has since evolved into this publication.
COMPLETION:
LEAD DESIGNER:
FEBRUARY 2015
TIM AHRENSBACH

12. RECIPES

13. DIY CROSS-STITCH WORLD MAP (and other fun things)
1
2
Find a cross-stitch pattern that you would like to use (a standard
world map and letters template can be found on the GP media
cloud). Count the max. number of triangles top to bottom and left
to right. Now look at the space you have available, measure your
heights and lengths.This will give you an idea of how big your trian-
gles need to be.
For instance, the standard Global Platform world map is 56 triangles
wide and 28 triangles tall (2:1). If your space is, let’s say 300 cm
wide and 150 cm tall you’d probably want triangles that are 5 x 5
cm (e.g. 300 cm / 56 triangles = 5.3). If you already have triangles
made, and they happen to be smaller than this - don’t worry, you’ll
just make a smaller graphic and you can use the rest of the wall for
something else.
FIRST
MEASURE
Now, cut out as many triangles as you need - and preferably a
little extra. Triangles need to be isosceles right angled triangles,
which means that both sides of a 90 degrees angle should be
the same length! - like this one!
SECOND
CUT
MATH ALERT!! >>
5 cm
5 cm
3
Create one or several horizontal “help lines” using a spir-
it level and masking tape. This will help you make sure
your sign doesn’t get crooked.
THIRD
LINE UP
INGREDIENS
• Triangles, 100 - 1.000 pieces of any
material -cardboard, plywood, cork,
styrofoam or even silver tape can
do (for the world map you need 585
triangles).
• Cross-stitch pattern
• Spirit level
• Masking tape
• Wood glue or similar adhesive
3-5 daysEasy - but supervision and diligence required!
Help lines of
masking tape
€ €From 5 euros
TIP from Lasse Hove Bæk:
You can also use a projector to project your pattern on the wall and
simply place triangles on top of this.

14. 4
FOURTH
GLUE the back of your triangle with wood glue or
similar adhesive
5
FIFTH
PLACE your triangle on the wall. Press gently to
make sure it sticks.
6
SIXTH
TICK OFF the triangle on your cross-stitch pattern.
This way you can keep tab of where you are in the
process.
7
SIXTH
REPEAT until done.
TOP LEFT
WORLD MAP FROM GLOBAL PLATFORM TANZANIA
MADE FROM OLD PINBOARDS
BOTTOM
FLOOR NUMBERS FROM GLOBAL PLATFORM DENMARK
MADE FROM SILVER TAPE
TOP RIGHT
WORLD MAP FROM GLOBAL PLATFORM MYANMAR
MADE FROM STICKERS

15. BLACKBOARD CALENDAR
1
2
Decide on the format of your calendar. This includes the following:
• Calendar length: Day, week, month, quarter or year
• Calendar unit: Hour, day or week
• Calendar scope: Is it a calendar for the whole Global Platform or
one for each team member?
Now, depending on your selection and the size of the wall, you’ll
have to figure out which formats and sizes work best for you. How-
ever, on the opposite page you can find the standard measure-
ments for a month planner.
FIRST
DECIDE
Wash down the wall with all-purpose cleaner and make sure that
the wall is totally free of dirt.
SECOND
WASH
MATH ALERT!! >>
3
THIRD
OUTLINE
INGREDIENS
• Blackboard paint (1-2 liters)
• Spirit level
• Measuring tape
• Masking tape (lots)
• Paint brush or roller
• Thinner (for removing oil-based
paints)
• All-purpose cleaner
• Mixing tin
2 daysEasy - bits of math required!
€ €From 10 euros
Create the lines of the blackboard using ample amounts of masking
tape. The idea is that the areas that are covered with masking tape
will stay white when you paint the wall with blackboard paint.
TIP: The wider the tape, the less the paint will seep through.
TIP: Use a spirit level to ensure that your calendar doesn’t get
crooked.

16. 4
FOURTH
PAINT
5
FIFTH
RIP-OFF
TOP
YEAR PLANNER ACROSS TWO WALLS
GLOBAL PLATFORM NAIROBI
BOTTOM
ONE WEEK TRAINING PLAN
GLOBAL PLATFORM MT. KENYA
Using a roller or paint brush paint the entire
area with blackboard paint. You can simply
roll across the masking tape - but make sure
your paint doesn’t seep through!
Follow the instructions on the paint tin careful-
ly, covering the area 2-3 times.
This is the most exciting part!
Once the paint has thoroughly dried, you can
start removing the masking tape. Make sure
to do this nice and slowly to avoid ripping off
bits of the blackboard paint.
TEMPLATE DIMENSION
SHARED MONTH PLANNER
7 columns (7 days), 6 rows (5 weeks + one top row)
Units (days): 30 cm (tall) x 40 cm (wide)
Length: (7 columns x 40 cm) + (7 x 2 cm between columns) = 294 cm
Heigth: (6 rowx x 30 cm) + (6 x 2 cm between rows) = 192 cm

17. STENCILS
1
2
Project the stencil of your choice unto the wall where you wish
to have your final stencil.
FIRST
PROJECT
With a sharp pencil, outline all of the black shapes on the wall.
Sometimes it helps to write a small x in all the shapes, so
that you remember which ones need to be painted, and which
ones don’t.
SECOND
OUTLINE
INGREDIENS
• Black or dark paint (1 dl)
• Thin paint brushes
• Projector
• Pencil
2 hoursEasy
€ €From 1 euro
x
x
x
x
NB!
Because of the way our eyes work,
stencils can only be made with dark
colours on light surfaces, not the other
way around!

18. 3
THIRD
PAINT
4
FOURTH
RE-PAINT
TOP LEFT: VOLUNTEERS DOING A STENCIL AT GLOBAL PLAT-
FORM MT. KENYA
BOTTOM LEFT: STENCIL AT GLOBAL PLATFORM NAIROBI
RIGHT: ACTIONAID STENCIL AT GLOBAL PLATFORM NAIROBI
Once you have outlined all the shapes on the wall, switch off
the projector.
Now carefully fill in all the shapes with black (or dark) paint.
Let the stencil dry for 2-3 hours. If needed,
give it another coat.

19. MILK-CRATE BOXES (or beer, or soda)
1
2
Clean your crates properly and let dry.FIRST
CLEAN
Using a power drill and a wood or
metal drill bit, drill holes for your plas-
tric strips.
SECOND
DRILL
INGREDIENS per 10 crates
• 10 crates
• Plywood, 2 standard sheets (2,4x1,2 m)
• Strips, 80
• Saw - hand, jiigsaw or circular
• Drill with metal or wood drill bit
• Formica (whiteboard) or blackboard paint
(optional)
2 hoursMedium
€ €From 3 euros
NB!
You will need at least 2 but preferably 3-4
crates per person you’re expecting in the
room, so if max capacity is 20 people make
sure to have 40-80 crates.
The crates
The timber bits
1
2
Measure the sides and tops of your crates
so you know what sizes to make your tim-
ber bits in. Remember to measure on the
“outside” of the plastic as each timber bit will
have to rest on the plastic frame.
FIRST
MEASURE
Using a normal hand saw, a circular saw or
a jigsaw, cut your timber bits in the sizes you
need.
SECOND
SAW

20. 3
THIRD
ADD
4
FOURTH
DRILL
FROM LEFT:
RECYCLED MILK CRATES AT GLOBAL PLATFORM DENMARK
RE-CYCLED BEER CRATES AT GLOBAL PLATFORM EL SALVADOR
RE-CYCLED SODA CRATES AT GLOBAL PLATFORM JORDAN
You now have the option of adding various hacks to your
timber bits and make them into small whiteboards, black-
boards, scrabble letters, mini stencils or whatever your
heart fancies.
For instructions on how to make blackboards and stencils,
please see page 14 and 16 respectively.
Drill holes in each corner so you can insert the plastic
strips through these. Make sure to use a drill bit as
thick as a plastic strip.
5
FIFTH
STRIP
Insert plastic strips through the holes in
your box and through the corresponding
holes in your timber bit. Simply pull the
strip tight to fasten.
If you make a mistake, don’t worry! Simply
cut the strip with good scissors and start
over.

21. HAIRPIN FURNITURE
1
2
Decide on the length of the hairpin legs.
For low stools or chairs: 30 cm tall
For tall stools or tables: 70 cm tall
For tall tables (standing height): 100
cm tall
FIRST
DECIDE
Get a welder to do make the hairpin legs.
They are fairly simple and rebars are rela-
tively cheap. However, costs can vary (set
of 4 cost 20 euro in Jordan and £18 in the
UK).
SECOND
ORDER
INGREDIENS - one table
• 2 sheets of plywood (eg. 150 cm x 100
cm, 18 mm)
• Wood glue
• Fasteners / clamps
• 16 screws (20-30 mm)
• Drill
• Varnish, clear
• Sandpaper, 200
2 hoursMedium
€ €From 25 euros
NB!
Most welders can make hairpin legs relatively
easily out of reinforced steel bars (REBARS) or
similar material.
The hairpin legs
The timber tops
1
Using a normal hand saw, a circular saw or a
jigsaw, cut your timber tops in the sizes you
need. Remember, you will normally need 2
sheets on top of each other for sturdiness.
FIRST
SAW
20
cm
20
cm
TOP BIT:
Flat with 4 holes for
screws
LEGS:
3 legs welded to the top bit and
welded together at the bottom.

22. 2
SECOND
GLUE
3
THIRD
VARNISH
If you need two sheets - glue them together with wood
glue and fasten tightly with clamps. Leave them for at least
one day.
Varnish the table tops with clear varnish.
Leave to dry (specifications on the bottle)
5
FIFTH
ASSEMBLE
Screw the legs on to the bottom corners
of the timber top - as seen here...
4
FOURTH
SAND
Sand down lightly with fine sandpaper. Wipe.
Varnish with a second layer.
1 m
0,42 m
From
below
0,7 m
From
side
36 mm
HAIRPIN STOOL AND TABLE AT
GLOBAL PLATFORM JORDAN

23. ABOUT ACTIONAID
We fight poverty by helping the poor to fight for their rights and break the structures,
which holds them back in hunger and poverty.
We have almost 70 years of experience with development work and our work aims to
improve poor people’s conditions of life, in order for them to manage without support in
the long run. Our target groups are primarily women and youth.
Together with local organizations we work to empower people living in poverty and sup-
port them in knowing and demanding their rights, in order for them to build democratic
and sustainable societies.
As part of the international alliance ActionAid we work with human rights based devel-
opment in more than 40 countries and reach more than 25 million of the world´s poor.
Read more at
www.actionaid.org
www.globalplatforms.org

24. INNOVATIVE LEARNING SPACES FOR RADICAL GOOD
PRODUCED BY TIMOTHY AHRENSBACH
FOR GLOBAL PLATFORMS | ACTIONAID DENMARK
LICENSED UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS
2015
INNOVATIVE LEARNING
SPACES FOR RADICAL
GOOD
a recipe book