Can the spaces in which we learn become catalysts for transformation? As we navigate through the diverse landscape of education architecture, this question resonates in the background, guiding our exploration. Education is no longer confined to a traditional classroom; it has become a dynamic interplay between design, culture and innovation. From the historic echoes of Campus Eemsdelta in The Netherlands to the avant-garde playfulness of The Reggio School in Madrid, these structures challenge norms and redefine the narrative of education. Diversity is the heartbeat of these projects, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural contexts. This diversity is not just aesthetic; it mirrors a paradigm shift in how we perceive education architecture today. It is a departure from the conventional, embracing sustainability, inclusivity and a holistic approach to learning. STIR presents a selection of educational projects that have contributed to shaping the fabric of contemporary learning environments this year.

1. The Reggio School, Madrid, Spain

Breaking free from conventional educational norms, The Reggio School in Madrid, Spain, brings a fresh perspective to the city with its unique architecture. Designed by the Office for Political Innovation (OFFPOLINN), this school embraces the ‘Reggio Emilia Approach’, redefining its skyline with pitched roofs, concrete arches, and pale-yellow blocks. This isn’t just a school building; it is a vibrant ecosystem where architectural environments become catalysts for exploration and inquiry. The unconventional facade design, characterised by playful elements like triangular glass panes and googly-eyed polycarbonate windows, reflect a commitment to empowering children as the architects of their education.

The school isn’t pretentious; it’s a multiverse where layered complexity creates an experiential priority. In lightweight cork, concrete and perforated brick, it becomes a dynamic space for self-driven collective experimentation. Classrooms seamlessly intertwine with indoor gardens and sun-drenched squares, forming a ‘vertical city’ where the age of the students corresponds with the building’s elevation. This Spanish architecture project isn’t about constricting walls and roofs, it is about crafting an environment that nurtures curiosity, making learning accessible, personal, and fun for the young minds.

2. Yamaikarashi Nursery, Niigata City, Japan

Nestled atop a sand dune in Niigata City, Japan, the Yamaikarashi Nursery School designed by Takeru Shoji Architects reimagines Japanese architecture in school design. The single-storey wooden structure, situated at the end of a winding pathway, presents characterful rooms and recesses, creating an intuitive and engaging environment for children. The design emerged from a series of workshops involving childcare researchers, workers, parents and residents, fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the nursery and the surrounding village. The school is open to villagers, offering a space for interaction and blending nursery school activities with broader community engagement. By incorporating the narrow and winding streets characteristic of the village into the design, the project ensures that children experience a seamless connection to the outdoors, promoting exploration and a harmonious relationship with nature.

3. Komera Leadership Centre, Rwanda

In Rwanda’s rural eastern province, the Komera Leadership Centre, designed by BE_Design, stands as a unique facility providing health, education and mentorship programmes for young women. Opened in 2022, the centre is strategically located opposite the village football pitch, ensuring accessibility and active participation from the local community. The design, characterised by flexibility features movable walls which create adaptable spaces for various activities. The centre serves as a hub for family development and community gatherings, leveraging its position to contribute to the village’s revitalisation. The extensive and versatile spaces accommodate classrooms, communal areas and administrative services, showcasing a commitment to holistic education and community building. The collaboration with the local government in the densely populated country aligns with Rwanda’s remarkable restoration since the 1994 Civil War. This project becomes a symbol of empowerment, reflecting the institution’s dedication to education, independence and community development in Africa.

4. Rubenstein Commons, Institute for Advanced Study

The Rubenstein Commons building at the Institute for Advanced Study, designed by Steven Holl Architects, stands in stark contrast to its modernist campus counterparts. As an architectural historian, Holl’s vision for the project draws associations from early 20^th century art and architecture, intertwining the intuitive, experiential and phenomenological aspects. The building becomes an opportunity to experiment and advance in the field of architecture, much like the avant-garde protagonists of the past. Holl’s form-finding process inspired by cubist sculptures and constructivist structures, reflects a commitment to pushing boundaries and forging deeper connections beyond mechanical programming. The Rubenstein Commons becomes a living testament to the innovative exploration of an education building, fostering an environment that challenges conventional norms with its historical and cultural context, and contributes to the institute’s legacy of advancing knowledge and research.

5. Feldballe School extension, Rønde, Denmark

As the world grapples with the urgency of the climate crisis, Copenhagen-based Henning Larsen is responding with a carbon-negative extension to the Feldballe School in Rønde, Denmark. This sustainable architecture project, primarily constructed with wood and straw, exemplifies the responsibility of the building industry in the face of environmental challenges. The school’s timber architecture serves as an inspiring example for a generation growing up with the weight of climate change. Henning Larsen’s collaboration with EcoCocon, a Danish philanthropic organisation, resulted in a panel system of compressed straw, a timber roof with solar panels, untreated plywood built-in furniture, and a ventilation system made of eelgrass.

The design, beyond promoting sustainability, focuses on fire safety, freedom from toxic chemicals, and efficient insulation for a comfortable indoor climate. The high-ceiling rooms eliminate the need for ventilation ducts and suspended ceilings, showcasing a commitment to innovative and eco-friendly design. The project’s scalability, flexibility and easy disassembly promote a circular economy, reflecting a holistic approach to addressing the climate crisis through education architecture.

6. Zöldike Nursery, Budapest, Hungary

Hungary-based Archikon Architects’ Zöldike Nursery in Budapest stands as a unique exploration of kindergarten architecture deeply tied to the site’s heritage. Built on the historical site with subterranean structures dating back to the Roman Empire, the nursery takes a refreshing approach to design. The heritage of the site intertwined with geological and climatic conditions, is meticulously considered in this education architecture project. The Tetenyi plateau’s slopes along the Danube and Budafok, historically ideal for wine production, form the backdrop for this project. The architects recognise the importance of preserving the historical features of the site, where viticulture and cellar networks were prevalent. The nursery becomes a contemporary manifestation of the rich history, incorporating the intricate network of cellars and limestone structures into the design. This design for children project revives the invisible features of the area, creating a supportive and contextually relevant space for child development. The fusion of heritage with thoughtful architecture enables interaction and exploration for children, fostering growth and a connection to the geological and climatic conditions of the site.

7. Campus Eemsdelta, Appingedam, Netherlands

Nestled in the historic city of Groningen, Campus Eemsdelta in Appingedam unfolds as a testament to educational architecture inspired by the ancient Wierden settlements dating back to 500 BCE. These settlements, known for their resilience against flood waters, form the cultural backdrop that breathes life into the design of this modern educational hub. Crafted by Felixx Landscape Architects and De Unie Architecten, the campus mirrors the spatial logic of Wierden, manifesting as a central public podium surrounded by smaller mounds housing individual learning spaces. At its heart lies the symbolic Tree of Knowledge, perched on an elevated island, fostering a harmonious relationship between students, nature and the built form. With six distinct buildings segregated by the program, accommodating 1700 students collectively, the campus transcends the conventional. It integrates seamlessly into the neighbourhood, sharing facilities and hosting regional events, thereby becoming a vibrant intersection of education and public engagement. This is not merely an educational institute; it is a living narrative that pays homage to historic resilience while propelling its community into a future of collaborative learning.

8. Větrník Kindergarten, Ricany, Czech Republic

In the quaint town of Ricany, near Prague, Architektura’s Větrník Kindergarten emerges as a thoughtful exploration into childhood and its intrinsic needs. This kindergarten transcends the conventional, envisioning the child as a phenomenon. Spearheaded by the visionary architecture practice Architektura, founded by David Kraus, this school design is a response to the specific needs and desires of children. It isn’t a rectangular confinement but a manifestation of ideation centred around the child’s physical abilities and persistent inquisitiveness. The design takes inspiration from elements found outside traditional architecture, resulting in a warm and engaging space for preschoolers. The careful consideration of children’s desires is evident, providing an atmosphere where accessibility to simple pleasures like choosing seats, enjoying meals and engaging in outdoor activities is prioritised. Architektura’s approach reflects an understanding that thoughtful ideation during the initial phase of school design can significantly impact the educational environment and contribute to positive childhood development.

9. Initial School 140, Ica, Peru

Standing as a beacon of change in the arid expanse between Ica and Paracas, Initial School 140 is a transformative project conceived and brought to life by architects Betsaida Curto Reyes and Ander Bados Sesma. This nursery school reinvents the very concept of education and community learning and celebrates the cultural significance of its site with an intricate incorporation of local textures and materials, including mats, olive trees, wild cane, yuccas and earth. The architects from Estudio Copla and AMAO studio have created a soulful representation of the community, drawing inspiration from the town’s deep-rooted environment. The design of the school emerged from a close collaboration with the local community, aiming to understand homegrown resources and construction methods that resonate with the cultural identity of the site. This project isn’t merely an education building; it is a celebration of the cultural richness of Villacurri, making education an integral part of the town’s narrative.

As we reflect on these diverse narratives in educational architecture, one cannot help but feel a sense of optimism for the future. Each project with its unique blend of innovation, cultural sensitivity and commitment to sustainability, serves as a light paving the way forward. The dialogue between architecture and education has evolved into a dynamic partnership, embracing the multifaceted nature of learning. This journey into the heart of educational spaces invites us to imagine a future where every environment becomes a catalyst for growth, curiosity and collaboration.

STIRred 2023 wraps up the year with compilations of the best in architecture, art, and design from STIR. Did your favourites make the list? Tell us in the comments!