Learn for Life: New Architecture for New Learning

by Sven Ehmann (Editor), Golden Section Graphics 0 (Editor)

New spaces for new learning―not just in kindergartens, schools, and universities. How well we learn is directly linked to where we learn. In our digital age, an enormous amount of information is easily accessible. Against this background and because lecture-style teaching is no longer popular, knowledge is inevitably passed on differently now than in previous times. Today, the spaces in which we learn in various phases and situations throughout our lives have to look differently than those in the past in order to meet our current educational needs. New spaces promote learning by inspiring us, providing us with helpful tools, and facilitating opportunities for productive cooperation and the exchange of ideas within groups. Learn for Life is a diverse collection of inspiring architecture and spaces that support progressive and collaborative models of acquiring knowledge. In addition to new interpretations of traditional places for learning including kindergartens, schools, universities, libraries, and educational centers, the book also features commercial buildings whose architectural innovation is redefining our understanding of what it means to develop professionally in offices, corporate headquarters, conference rooms, convention centers, and laboratories. Also included are more experimental projects such as flexible, informal, and temporary installations and exhibits that offer further perspectives on the rapidly evolving topic of how best to learn in the new millennium. The examples presented in Learn for Life also show how color, light, and the organization of space as well as playful elements and surprises can be used to support learning. In short, the work presented in this book makes clear that the creative use of architecture and interior design not only provides a new physical framework for acquiring knowledge, but also revitalizes and advances the process of learning as a whole.

Genres: Design

288 pages, Hardcover

First published March 23, 2012

Reviews

[Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative Spaces

My own decorative sense is somewhat eclectic and non-conformist but what drew me to this book was an opportunity to influence the redesign of our creative space at work, as much a concern for grown ups as for children. The predominant theme presented is curves, a lot of coloured windows and light, the scope is world wide and the focus mostly education and library centres from pre-school to university, about 40 examples of collaborative spaces for business and the arts (mostly in chapter VII) and one communal bath house in Shanmen China (pp178).

Vibrant photography throughout, enjoyable to look and to read the short descriptions. Wach location is given a but a couple of pages. The pictures suggest use but often they are shown without people so one isn't quite sure of whether or not the design actually works or how effectively it is used.

Most of the places where I've worked have periodically redesigned their work spaces, sometimes to cram in more people and others to improve productivity, security, accommodate equipment or make it more inviting for guests. Next time this occurs it might be a nice idea to slip this book in and ask... why not?

Some would make for interesting side trips while traveling, though not all would be open to the public. And a number would make great settings for science fiction films. :-)

[Rahmadiyanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baca di stand Frankfurt Book Fair @ Indonesia Book Fair 2013. Tadinya mau lihat-lihat saja, ternyata selama 1 jam tenggelam dalam buku ini. Huah, nahan napas sambil ngiler lihat arsitektur dan desain interior berbagai lembaga yang berhubungan dengan pendidikan. Sekolah (TK sampai universitas), perpustakaan, pusat budaya, hingga taman bermain. Open-air Library di kota Magdeburg, Jerman, misalnya, keren banget. Kalau universitas, suka banget dengan desain mengalir EWHA Women University, Korea. Ke sana aah kalau nanti ke Korea ;). Indonesia diwakili desain Green School di Bali, yang didirikan oleh suami istri, John & Cynthia Hardy.