Never is the value of architecture so poignant, as when it becomes a tool to facilitate learning, development and exploration. Inspired by this video, which presents three new schools in Concord, New Hampshire that physically embody the educational philosophies of independence, collaboration, and creativity, we spoke with HMFH Architects to delve further into this vital question: how can architecture help children develop the early skills, creativity and inquisitiveness needed to become the independent and inspired adults of future generations?
These three schools, the Mill Brook School, McAuliffe Elementary School, and the Abbot-Downing School all share the common goals of creating an environment that promotes mental, social and physical health of its students and faculty. The architecture is designed to encourage not only the educational goals of the administration, but also a lifestyle. Through the physical division of space, the categorically open plans of the schools create subdivisions (not boundaries) within the classroom spaces. Implied nooks allow different activities to take place, where small class groups and faculty can work within the broader context of the school.
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