Building on Media, an EDmarketplace Learning Commons

Classroom 371 BCEF: Pure Imagination Studio by Multistudio and MUZO

Goal:
This versatile kit-of-parts provides educator agency and supports key principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL): offering multiple means of engagement, representation, and action & expression to support every learner. The wide range of positionalities that learners bring to classrooms today means no single setting is likely to create a strong sense of belonging for everyone, every day. The reconfigurability of this space means it can easily transform from session-to-session, or day-to-day, to support varying positionalities.

Focus:
The “freedom” to affect one’s place, position, and posture within the space supports more opportunities for self-regulation. The overall organization of the classroom supports the opportunity for organic furniture arrangements throughout the space while still providing a sense of spatial organization to ground users within the space. This allows student reconfigurations to occur without causing as much spatial chaos. Learners that don’t thrive in larger open spaces have options for pre-made sensory spaces in which to retreat including the Box Lounger, the Agile Pod, and the ability to enclose sub-spaces with X-Bricks.

Impact:
Pragmatically, the space supports a wide range of learning modes including group-based work, project-based work, independent work and direct instruction. The versatile seating supports a range of ergonomic needs from elementary through adult learners. Half of the classroom (areas with green flooring) feature outdoor grade furniture, plants, and a color palette relating to colors and finishes of the natural environment. These cognitive connections to nature provide restorative properties to reduce stress, lower heart rates, improve mood, extend attention spans, and enhance cognitive function – all aspects of biophilic design.

Vendor Partners:
Interface, Muzo, Wacebo