Outstitutions: Designing learning spaces beyond the classroom

Details

Supervisors

Ledent, Gérald ; Chanvillard, Cécile ; Fontaine, Christine ; De Muijlder, Marie

Faculty

Faculté d'architecture, d'ingénierie architecturale, d'urbanisme

Degree label

Master [120] en architecture, à finalité spécialisée (Bruxelles)

Abstract

enThis master thesis explores the way nomadic and open-air school typologies can offer alternatives to institutionalized school models in Belgium. It starts with a research on the historical evolution of schools, from enclosed and disciplinary spaces, to experiments in the outdoors. With the help of the experimental nomad school of Le Lycée Voyageur, a traveling secondary school inside a bus, and a series of architectural design proposals such as classroom in the nature, by the water and on floating platforms, it reimagines how learning environments can be flexible, can integrate nature and respond to multiple student needs. These “outstitutions” challenge the traditional school boundaries by most importantly reconnecting education with nature, encouraging outdoor activities, child autonomy and environmental awareness. The three project scenarios aim to create a network of outdoor classrooms, that transform mobility into a new pedagogy, and the environment into a curriculum, offering different spatial alternatives, that encourage freedom and experimentation.