Native Assemblies

SchoolHouse is an experimental archetype designed to test the validity of the historic one-room school-house education model through contemporary pedagogical learning approaches. Critical explorations included multi-age, interdisciplinary and inter-ability learning environments that support student success, cultivate community, and facilitate relationships that transcend age and (dis)ability. The approach to the research is comprised of three areas of study: 1, the history of public education and one-room school-house architecture in the United States; 2, the exploration of current research on multi-age and inter-ability classrooms; and 3, the careful deprogramming of the default modern American school typology. SchoolHouse investigates these issues through the design of a neighborhood school prototype, adaptable to communities of varying densities, economic conditions, and growth rates. This project is located on a fictional typified site, designed to respond to anticipated challenging site conditions and extend learning to the outdoor environment. Through the design of spaces that support diverse learners and promote community, SchoolHouse will revolutionize the way we think about education and learning environments. The results of this research will be relevant not only to architects and designers building for the next generation of learners, but also to the educators and policymakers shaping the future of public education.