Creating Conducive and inspiring learning spaces for children ​
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‘School is a child’s second home’ – a frequently said phrase which depicts the importance of a healthy learning environment in the life of a child. Since children spend majority of their time at school, the quality of the space where they learn and grow plays a vital role in their holistic development. A keen understanding of the importance of innovative learning spaces in fostering creativity and productivity becomes imperative.
Atelier ARBO focuses on creating inspiring and engaging learning spaces for students. Implementing customized design strategies as per the requirements of different educational institutions, we inculcate sustainable principles, maximum use of natural light, and creation of flexible learning areas in the planning approach of schools. Trying to understand the psychology of children, our concepts break away from traditional learning environments and focus on unique and open educational spaces which encourage collaborative learning, critical thinking, and personal growth. IMPORTANCE OF MINDFUL PLANNING OF SCHOOLS The physical environment in which students learn has a significant impact on their mood, behaviour, and overall development. A welcoming and open space helps children to adapt better to their surroundings and enhances their progress. |
A diverse array of intriguing spaces sparks curiosity in the minds of the children encouraging them to explore various activities and self-learn during the process. A variety of activities engaging the different sensorial organs help in the stimulated growth of a child. Colourful textures, bright toys, soft music, and indoor flowering plants can engage all the senses of a child resulting in a holistic development.
Efficient planning of educational spaces leads to improved academic performance, reduced behavioural issues, increased engagement in learning, and enhanced collaboration skills among students.
Efficient planning of educational spaces leads to improved academic performance, reduced behavioural issues, increased engagement in learning, and enhanced collaboration skills among students.
OUR APPROACH TO THE PLANNING OF SCHOOLS
The most vital parameter that we consider in school design is visualizing the space through the eyes of children. As adults, we tend to forget the view point and perspective of children who are ultimately going to use the space. All design features and interior furniture needs to be appropriately planned and placed aligning with the thought process and eye level of children.
Different institutional spaces demand different planning approaches as per the key age group of children who would be using the finished space. Our team closely works with teachers, educators, administrators, and owners of the school to efficiently comprehend their specific needs and requirements. Our design strategies combined with the insightful opinions from different stakeholders produce a harmonious learning environment which promotes quality education.
The most vital parameter that we consider in school design is visualizing the space through the eyes of children. As adults, we tend to forget the view point and perspective of children who are ultimately going to use the space. All design features and interior furniture needs to be appropriately planned and placed aligning with the thought process and eye level of children.
Different institutional spaces demand different planning approaches as per the key age group of children who would be using the finished space. Our team closely works with teachers, educators, administrators, and owners of the school to efficiently comprehend their specific needs and requirements. Our design strategies combined with the insightful opinions from different stakeholders produce a harmonious learning environment which promotes quality education.
FEW ELEMENTS WHICH HELP IN ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LEARNING SPACES
- Optimal use of natural light: We believe that a controlled exposure to sunlight makes our life bright and active. Although the harsh sunrays become somewhat unbearable during summer months, throughout the year the essence of natural sunlight nurtures and motivates us to lead a productive day. Considering the importance of daylight in the budding years of children, we make it a point to maximize the use of natural light by way of large windows and skylights to enhance the quality of the spatial indoor environment. Although the dependence on mechanical lighting, ventilation, and cooling is unavoidable, the significance of natural daylight and wind surmounts any other form of ventilation. Such design features also form a vivid connection to the outside environment and help children in staying connected to the natural surroundings.
- Flexible use of spaces: A classroom space should have the potential of exploring various activities other than the common lectures. As experienced interior designers, we focus on mindful planning of multi-functional furniture elements which easily transform conventional classrooms into shared learning spaces to help the teachers in conducting different collaborative and peer-bonding exercises amidst the same classroom space.
- Inclusion of technology: Although we strongly believe that the overuse of technology becomes a potent distraction for children, the basic amenities, like a strong Wi-Fi connection for distant learning and digital screens, need to be incorporated in the design for efficient functioning of schools.
FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PRINCIPLES
At Atelier ARBO, we emphasize on the implementation of sustainable and eco-friendly design strategies to significantly diminish the carbon footprint of our built structures.
Regarding school design, mindful propositions, like the use of locally-sourced recyclable materials, LED lighting, climate control systems which save energy, and use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels, help in creating sustainable learning spaces striving to conserve the environment. While protecting the surroundings, these design parameters also imbibe a sense of responsibility towards nature in the minds of the children.
At Atelier ARBO, we emphasize on the implementation of sustainable and eco-friendly design strategies to significantly diminish the carbon footprint of our built structures.
Regarding school design, mindful propositions, like the use of locally-sourced recyclable materials, LED lighting, climate control systems which save energy, and use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels, help in creating sustainable learning spaces striving to conserve the environment. While protecting the surroundings, these design parameters also imbibe a sense of responsibility towards nature in the minds of the children.
CONQUERING COMMON SETBACKS FACED IN SCHOOL DESIGN
Schools have a limited budget and set resources which make it challenging to produce extraordinary design outcomes. However, by implementing solutions, like repurposing existing furniture or equipment and sourcing cost-effective materials without compromising on quality, we ensure the maximum use of unique design features for the school in the given constraints.
A well-planned learning space should have the ability to cope and stay aligned with the evolving and ever-changing educational methods and technologies. Employing a forward-thinking approach, we plan spaces which can be easily reconfigured and upgraded to meet future requirements and ensure that our designs remain relevant for years to come.
Schools have a limited budget and set resources which make it challenging to produce extraordinary design outcomes. However, by implementing solutions, like repurposing existing furniture or equipment and sourcing cost-effective materials without compromising on quality, we ensure the maximum use of unique design features for the school in the given constraints.
A well-planned learning space should have the ability to cope and stay aligned with the evolving and ever-changing educational methods and technologies. Employing a forward-thinking approach, we plan spaces which can be easily reconfigured and upgraded to meet future requirements and ensure that our designs remain relevant for years to come.
A DISTINCT EXAMPLE OF AN ENHANCED LEARNING SPACE: HARMONY MONTESSORI SCHOOL
One of our notable projects in the unique design of schools is the Harmony Montessori School located in Lower Parel, Mumbai. A minimalist design with calming white-toned interiors hosts three classrooms which converge into a common learning space offering a myriad of intriguing activity niches and fun pocket spaces. With the space exuding openness and a minimal use of furniture planned as per the anthropometry of children, the school forms a scenic connection with nature by way of indoor plants and large windows for picturesque outdoor views. An efficient amalgamation of such design features produces a conducive and homely environment for concentrated learning.
One of our notable projects in the unique design of schools is the Harmony Montessori School located in Lower Parel, Mumbai. A minimalist design with calming white-toned interiors hosts three classrooms which converge into a common learning space offering a myriad of intriguing activity niches and fun pocket spaces. With the space exuding openness and a minimal use of furniture planned as per the anthropometry of children, the school forms a scenic connection with nature by way of indoor plants and large windows for picturesque outdoor views. An efficient amalgamation of such design features produces a conducive and homely environment for concentrated learning.
CONCLUSION
Learning from our professional experience in designing a school, we observed how the overall atmosphere of a learning environment has a profound effect on the psychology and academical growth of children.
We aim to plan unique and harmonious learning spaces with interesting and creative design features for the social, mental, and emotional growth of children. After all, the quality of the educational space in which children learn becomes the foundation which shapes and builds their future.
Learning from our professional experience in designing a school, we observed how the overall atmosphere of a learning environment has a profound effect on the psychology and academical growth of children.
We aim to plan unique and harmonious learning spaces with interesting and creative design features for the social, mental, and emotional growth of children. After all, the quality of the educational space in which children learn becomes the foundation which shapes and builds their future.