FLUIDIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Year: 2021

Instructor: Jeremy Karmal Hartley

Partner: Hanna Park

The design studio focuses on the evolving role of the classroom in the midst of a profound global pandemic. At this critical juncture, the world is grappling with profound questions about the significance of the classroom and the varying levels of access that different institutions, cities, and countries possess. Millions of students are experiencing a fundamentally different model of education, one that is relentlessly challenged by a myriad of constraints, including social, technological, physical, and ethical considerations.

Embracing the concept of fluidity, our project seeks to inform the functions, forms, spaces, and furnishings of our design. Every element, from the chairs to the classrooms, the building envelope, and the broader landscape, is deeply influenced by fluidic movement and form. Our concept envisions a future where students have increased agency in choosing how they engage with their classes and utilize the spaces in which learning takes place.

Recognizing the paramount importance of student safety, we advocate for the integration of puffy furniture within the design. By combining functionality with an engaging and playful aesthetic, puffy furniture not only evokes a sense of joy and creativity but also emphasizes the safety and well-being of students. Building upon this concept, we have utilized Cinema 4D to design a puffy chair, which subsequently serves as the foundation for developing the texture, pattern, and overall aesthetics of the classroom and the entire school.

For clusters, fluidity is embodied through melting. Where the classroom units merge, there are jelly-like playgrounds on which students can climb, with fabric floors and chairs to protect them from injury. For landscape, fluidity is embodied through change. There is a ripple-shaped landscape around each building, as well as Thom’s building. These elevated walkways are fluid movement and access to different elevations. Therefore, children can get access to important view lines on the site. All elements of the school will be a play tool for children. Therefore, this fluidic school can be a big playground itself.