The Meaning in Connectivity: A School with a Program
The school project was carried out within the framework of the International Competition Learn Better. Rephrasing Education Through Architecture.
Scope of work:
concept of space-planning solutions, concept of façade solutions, concept of landscaping
Function:
general educational institution with a community center
Capacity:
190 students
Year:
2019
Location:
Helsinki
Awards:
Learn Better. Rephrasing Education Through Architecture. Helsinki, Finland
People’s Choice award; honorable mention
concept of space-planning solutions, concept of façade solutions, concept of landscaping
Function:
general educational institution with a community center
Capacity:
190 students
Year:
2019
Location:
Helsinki
Awards:
Learn Better. Rephrasing Education Through Architecture. Helsinki, Finland
People’s Choice award; honorable mention
The objective of the project is to reflect on the prospective models of the school (including the forms and content of education), and to propose spatial solutions for their implementation. In what ways can the architecture and internal structure of the school contribute to developing cognitive skills, physical fitness, a positive attitude towards the world, art, nature, and prepare children for life in today's dynamic environment?
In today's world, which is characterized by new communication technologies, diverse lifestyles, and migration opportunities, among other things, schools have lost their monopoly on providing fundamental knowledge. However, the importance of school as a living and friendly environment for mastering social relations and learning about the world is only increasing. The main value of schooling is to create a “sense and relationship of connectivity,” integration, and wholeness in the world, its social and technical aspects, as well as nature.
The design site is located in a new developing area of Helsinki. The area is part of the Greater Helsinki 2050 development program, which aims to create an eco-friendly environment, advanced infrastructure, and new transportation links with a focus on public transportation. The site is bordered by a new residential complex and a forest area.
The main principle of our project strategy is that the school environment and the educational and life experiences that students have there should create a “sense and relationship of connectivity” through the use of various forms of learning that together provide a sense of the world's integrity and comprehensibility, as well as a sense of control and significance of the elements of that world for each student's personal development.
The combination of different forms and modes of learning, as well as all the activities of each student, including project-based learning, games, seminars, and classes in the greenhouse and art workshops, serve to provide a wide range of sensory experiences, simulating the creation of order from chaos and the maintenance of life in its diversity. The architecture of the school is designed around these strategic objectives.
The combination of different forms and modes of learning, as well as all the activities of each student, including project-based learning, games, seminars, and classes in the greenhouse and art workshops, serve to provide a wide range of sensory experiences, simulating the creation of order from chaos and the maintenance of life in its diversity. The architecture of the school is designed around these strategic objectives.
All the “surfaces” of the school territory have been transformed into a unified educational environment: the open “external” schoolyard with playgrounds, the inner courtyard with a stage, and the cycling route are all used for educational and recreational purposes, promoting physical activity and outdoor play.
The flexible layout of the building provides open, semi-open, and enclosed spaces for various learning environments. The school features classrooms with sliding partitions, a greenhouse, a rooftop terrace, and a multifunctional central space for active project-based learning and play, encouraging children's curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration. This is supported by the attractive design of the building, easy-to-understand and navigate spatial structure, and the extensive use of natural materials.
The flexible layout of the building provides open, semi-open, and enclosed spaces for various learning environments. The school features classrooms with sliding partitions, a greenhouse, a rooftop terrace, and a multifunctional central space for active project-based learning and play, encouraging children's curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration. This is supported by the attractive design of the building, easy-to-understand and navigate spatial structure, and the extensive use of natural materials.
At the center is a circular atrium space covered by a dome — this is the main integration core of the school flooded with daylight and open to the main entrance. Most of the public spaces here are the canteen, the assembly hall, the meeting place and classes. The round shape symbolizes unity, peace, endless development, and cyclicity. Flexible, compact classroom blocks are located around this core.
The school building itself will function as an evening art school, and the school sports hall will function as a sports center for the local community. The central space of the school can also serve as a public area for local residents. On the ground floor, there is a library with adjustable public access and a multifunctional meeting room for the neighborhood.
The school building itself will function as an evening art school, and the school sports hall will function as a sports center for the local community. The central space of the school can also serve as a public area for local residents. On the ground floor, there is a library with adjustable public access and a multifunctional meeting room for the neighborhood.
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