Classroom of the Future / LAVA

Classroom of the Future / LAVA

Designed as a learning space for the future, LAVA‘s design focuses on an environment that is sustainable, integrates with the landscape, connects with the school environment, and is suitable for prefabrication and mass customization. This idea is upturned with spaces that are sustainable, practical, cost effective whilst making learning fun and exciting.

The design anticipates the future by allowing classes to be subdivided in flexible clusters. The teacher is in the center of these clusters and moves around them acting as an adaptable system instead of a fixed hierarchy.
Sustainable design extends to the proposed method of prefabrication, selection of materials, symmetrical repeatable geometry, and small modular elements that are lightweight and easily transportable on small readily available vehicles. The modular façade system, designed for each location, is manually operable and gives greatest flexibility for light and shade, enclosed space or open space, bringing the outside in or the inside out.

Naturally informed geometry of the module provides a framework for present and future classroom

configurations. Lightweight fabric separates a central space; this allows the classroom module to adapt to one large or three smaller spaces for learning – all connect to landscape or compatible contexts. Small and large class sizes are accommodated by the classrooms basic ‘three-axis’ geometry that allows the interlocking of each module to form large groups with smaller learning clusters. This results in the building itself learning how to adapt to future methods or learning and future modes of operation. The building at the same time educates the students about sustainability, social interaction, nature and technology.

Prefabrication will:

- Allow all building components to be prefabricated off site as complete elements.
- Floor and roof elements to be “sandwich panels”, designed to be easily maneuverable and connectable.
- Allow elements to be connected on site using simple connections, e.g. bolts or screws for structure.
- Minimize material waste, number of elements and construction time allow for stockpiling of classrooms for deployment at short notice to replace school facilities damaged by natural disasters.

The design received a ‘Jury Special Mention’ in the Australian Future Proofing School competition

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Architects: LAVA
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Team: Chris Bosse, Tobias Wallisser, Alexander Rieck
Partners: ARUP
Client: Future Proofing School
Status: Competition entry – commendation
Size: 60-180 sqm each
Date: 2011

(via Arch Daily)

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