Design Ideas: Flexible Learning Environments

Design Ideas: Flexible Learning Environments

By Daniel Mader, AIA, REFP, LEED AP
As printed in American School & University

Classroom design soon will be dramatically different from what we see in schools today. The evolution of the classroom will be driven by technological advances and changes in instructional approaches—influences that already are impacting the design of new and modernized schools. Even the term “classroom” will become a misnomer, as the space essentially will serve as a flexible learning environment.

The most basic change will be in overall size. Classrooms, or learning environments, typically will be at least 1,400 to 1,500 square feet, as opposed to the more common 800 to 900 square feet. Operable walls between classrooms will allow for larger spaces when needed. Expansion of space will be critical to support a varied, interactive approach to instruction from kindergarten through high school.

Instruction will move away from the traditional, lecture-style approach in which teachers stand at the front of the classroom and address students seated at rows of desks. Instead, students will move from one learning station to another, working in teams, pairs, or independently. While students work on various projects, teachers and aides will move around the room as facilitators, providing one-on-one or small-group instruction.

This sort of animated, interactive approach to education not only requires more space, but also merits built-in flexibility. Furniture, equipment, and cabinetry and storage options will be portable—able to move from room to room or work in a variety of configurations. Built-in infrastructure will be simplified and will include advanced power systems, flexible lighting, and sinks. Teacher workspace will move out of the classroom to central team-planning areas and offices.

The infusion of technology into the classroom is another catalyst for change in the physical environment. Computers will be integral to classroom instruction, eliminating the need for separate computer labs. Portable carts will feature built-in computers, and many students will carry laptop computers throughout the day—perhaps even at the elementary-school level.

Though far more advanced in terms of capability, technology will be much more streamlined and integrated. Overhead and slide projectors, tape and CD players, VCRs, television sets—even built-in monitors—will disappear and be replaced by integrated multimedia systems. Classrooms will discard chalkboards or markerboards, replacing them with large, built-in screens—essentially media or presentation walls.

Teachers and students will be able to write on the media walls, print from them, and project onto them. Use of technology will become second nature, and these walls will be used for dynamic, multimedia instruction that today might require several different pieces of equipment and extensive time for set-up.

These giant screens also will bring the world to the classroom—someday enabling students in the United States to collaborate almost side-by-side with students from other schools, communities, and countries, as well as with governments and industries. Classes will visit rain forests, deserts, oceans, cities—even space stations. Live projections of important, international news events, such as a presidential inauguration, will enable students to feel as if they were taking part in the event itself.

In the future, as respect and concern for the environment continue to grow, classrooms will house a variety of science and lab activities and projects. These will include aquariums, terrariums, and all sorts of natural exhibits and demonstration centers. Natural light will be essential in every classroom—windows and skylights will continue to be inherent to the design of each room.

While classrooms of the 21st century will become much more streamlined and efficient, they are not in danger of becoming bland, sterile spaces. Instead, they will engender more personalized instruction; greater interaction and communication; and a dynamic, exciting approach to learning.

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