CONNECTIONS

NOMADIC CLASSROOM

COMPETITION

1ST PLACE WINNER

 

 

GROUP WORK WITH:

HILLARY BONNEL

MELIZA MACAPLNLAC

ALEXEIS RAMOS

The nomadic classroom offers a unique approach to the educational and working environment by encouraging flexible connections between people, the natural environment, and the community. These connections help to foster the development of the users’ intellectual, emotional, physical, and creative potential. At every level; this classroom can be customized according to the needs of the current users.

The nomadic classroom is divided into three distinct but fully connected spaces designated for different uses. A collaborative area is located at one end with three large movable tables that are attached to the floor with an embedded track system. One configuration would be to push and lock the tables against the walls allowing for wheelchair accessible individual use or a large area for instruction. In another configuration the tables would be pushed into the centre, providing a large, connected, collaborative workstation.

The centre of the classroom houses a flexible lounge area. Twelve ottomans with built-in extra storage can be connected to form a large couch for casual lounging and chatting or pulled apart for individual seating permitting “huddles” or conferences between groups of people. One wall of the lounge area can be pulled down to permit extra space and a connection to the natural environment or the community. On the opposite wall a “wall garden” is situated between two large windows, which reach up and connect to skylights on the ceiling providing extra natural light into the space.
The individual work area is composed of eight flexible desks; angled to permit a maximum workspace, a comfortable view of both the users computer monitor and an instructor, and enough space to allow a second chair for collaboration. While separate, the desks are close enough to allow conversation between individuals at separate workstations. In addition, these desks can be lowered and locked to the walls if more space is required. A “pod” cabinet is located above each desk to house personal electronic devices