ClassAct

[re] build educate transform

a project of architectural activism [through the Percival & Naomi Goodman Fellowship, Columbia University GSAPP] by

act LA B

01

typology | transforming domestic vernacular spatial logics into a place of learning

“Class Act� is a design and build project of low-cost classroom clusters in marginalized areas of rural Philippines.

act LA B

domestic precedent

02

the verandah classroom typology

the big roof provides shelter for both indoor and semi-outdoor spaces of the classroom

elevated slab defines the boundary between formal classroom space (indoor) and informal the

space (semi-outdoor) which is the place of expansion.

the active wall contains the program of the classroom -- blackboard, storage, bookshelves, sinks, etc.. -- the activity that takes place in the classroom responds to the active wall & vice versa.

the enclosure is a porous wall made of local materials to allow airflow and light into classrooms. they can be in the form of screens and louvers to further define boundary between formal & informal.

A ceiling grid over the formal and informal space allows the hanging of temporary fixtures -- screens and curtains allow for the creative manipulation of space by the users.

act LA B The design of classrooms should be as dynamic as the changing activities that occur within them. Each classroom will have the provisions of shelter, storage, indoor & outdoor learning spaces, flexibility and have the ability to expand.

The design of the classrooms draws from the notion of verandah living spaces, and responds to the local environment. Classrooms are bright, open air, with every indoor learning space (elevated & enclosed) paired with a semi-enclosed outdoor space.

03 parts of the system

The 5-part system:

Shelter Formal [elevated] + Informal Space [open] Active Wall: Blackboard + Storage + Access ++ Enclosure: Louvers & Woven Walls Hanging Facilities: Screens & Curtains

act LA B

04 aggregation

A cluster of rooms share one big roof in two ways:

the dispersed cluster yields inbetween spaces to be defined by the users. the interlocking cluster creates the opportunity for rooms to combine, the classrooms can serve other functions such as a stage, a training hall, multi-purpose space or a community hall.

dispersed

interlocking

act LA B

active In-Between spaces for discovery

05 the classroom prototype

01

02

03

01. Platform 02. School 03. Active wall 04. Louver 04

05

05. Shelter

ic

act LA B

Sign-off Issue: 02.01.2014

LOCAL CONSULTANT TEAM:

Structural Engineer

te, Maribojoc, Bohol

ool, Bohol, Philippines

a partnership between Oplan Bangon Bohol and Aya Maceda (actLAB)

Mechanical Engineer Electrical Engineer

Aya Maceda of ActLAB Design Group, New York is a registered architect in NSW, Aust consultant for this school rebuilding project in partnership with Oplan Bangon Bohol (OB Percival and Naomi Goodman Fellowship, Columbia University. Engineering and compli standards to organised by OBB's local consultant team. The design is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without consent of the author. actLAB LL

06

formal + infomal classroom typology

the classroom does not exist as a fixed enclosed space, but rather there is always a pairing of Formal and Informal / of Fixed and Extended space / of Indoor and Semi-outdoor

act act LA LA B B

From top left to top bottom: Open Air Exterior Formal Classroom [elevated] Informal Classroom [covered exterior]

07 flexibility and the Active Wall

blackboard

library

Classrooms are non-static spaces where users can control their space of learning..

The Active Wall is made up of an assembly of program modules. Activities in classrooms responds to the function of the wall.

seat

bulletin

act LA B

bathroom

sink

entrance

storage

08

boundary

Interactive, flexible spaces orient young minds towards the notion that a learning environment has no fixed boundaries.

the classroom is elevated & protected by layers of screen and structure

act LA B

09

innovating local construction methods + prototyping

stream-lining local building methods

act LA B

1:1 bamboo construction prototype

innovate cottage industries to revitalize the local economic ecosystem

10

material

building from what is inherent, both spatially and materially transforms communities architect-onically, economic-ally and social-ly

act LA B

[re] build #

educate ?

transform !

Architectonic Design + Build low-cost classrooms in marginalized rural communities

produce a Design Manual to make accessible architectural concepts to the average person

design of a culturally + ecologically responsive classroom TYPOLOGY

design Open and Flexible Classroom prototype with Formal & Informal learning spaces

enable the classroom to be accessible for formal classes [during hours] & alternative classes [afterhours] for the community

design places of learning with no fixed boundaries to affect PEDAGOGY

Economic rebuild for the disaster prone climate with vernacular spatial logics, materials and building knowledge

innovate local construction methods & the use of abundant local materials-using the building as a teaching device

revitalize cottage industries & the local economic ecosystem

Social mobilize & realize the project through crowdsourcing + social media

design the classroom as a venue for education & an instrument for disaster preparedness

Š2014 actLAB Act Now : Class-act.ph actlabnyc.com

the building of the classrooms as a Social Event for the community