The third floor of Bethel Hall of Duckshin High School did not meet the space needs of the current learning process, and the indoor finish was aging, so it was not properly utilized. Therefore, we decided to design a convergence classroom that meets the requirements of students and teachers and prepares for future education. We thought that the promotion of communication between users was also a very important factor in the educational environment.
We set the design concept as 'classrooms in the library' and proceeded with the design in a step-by-step process.
Step 1
This project was conducted in the form of a class in which students who will actually use space participate. Students measured the size of their bodies and furniture and practiced partial space design based on the unit module obtained from this. This module became the basic dimensions of actual classrooms, bookshelves, desks, and chairs. Here, the rationality of the measurement plan was secured.
Step 2
"Architectural planning is the work of dividing the space into "black" and "white" and differentiating it."- Kazuhiro Kojima
The internal space was divided into "black space" and "white space" according to its characteristics. "Black space" refers to a space in which functions and spaces correspond one-to-one, and "white space" refers to a space in which their use is changed according to the method of use. Classrooms and book loan spaces have clear functions, so they correspond to "black spaces," and libraries that use freely correspond to "white spaces." In this way, the entire third floor was defined as "white space," and "black space" such as classrooms and book loan spaces was inserted into it.
Step 3
The space was divided into bookshelves and an opening with a width of 3m was installed here to increase flexibility in space expansion and opportunities for communication between users. The top of the bookshelf was spaced apart from the ceiling so that light and sound spread around some areas. This is to avoid the feeling of isolation in an enclosed space, and it took the effect of promoting communication, which is the advantage of an open classroom. This intention was also applied to the design of a 4m-wide sliding door installed at the boundary between the classroom and the corridor. This door is made of translucent polycarbonate to block the gaze but transmit light.
Schools are spaces for learning and communication. In order for a student to grow into a member of a society, free communication as well as learning is essential. The role of teaching students is not only given to teachers. I think the spatial environment of the school also has a great influence on the character development of students. In other words, space also teaches students. The newly completed Future Classroom is a very small space. However, I hope that this space will work according to the design intentions and play a larger role than that, and will be loved by students and teachers.
Photographer : An Junyoung (inside_six)