Abstract:

The concepts of ‘next generation classrooms’ using new learning technologies, which are being developed in inter-disciplinary research, constitute an integral element of the architectural designs of ‘schools of the future’. Contemporary multi-functional and sustainable learning landscape has the structure different from a typical school of the Fordist period. However, Polish school system and educational system is based on old objects which were constructed in the past educational and political reality. Is it possible, and if yes – to what extent, to regenerate the school infrastructure? How to develop learning spaces outside the school building? This research aims to provide answers to the questions concerning the possibility of adaptation of the existing buildings to the new requirements of educational process with the use of current technical and economical possibilities. The criteria or characteristic features of the model of ‘next generation classrooms’ were determined on the basis of the analysis of the subject literature and innovative architectural concepts. New generation classrooms are treated as an integral part of the contemporary learning landscape and discussed in the context of other solutions inside and outside the school building. The buildings which have been selected for the research were implemented at the time of intensive development of the education architecture. They still constitute the basis for the facilities functioning until today. These include schools [mainly primary schools] built in the period of construction boom after the Second World War; avant-garde concepts of early modernism which imposed rules of new education, as well as, occasionally, older buildings dating back to the 19th century – the period of introducing compulsory common school education. The research encompasses first of all buildings located in Poland. It defines basic types of architectural solutions of the building body and school rooms. A comparison with a new generation model was made defining the necessity and possibilities of architectural intervention. In selected cases the evaluation of the conducted modernization work was performed. The last phase consists of the presentation of the selected educational solutions implemented outside the formal education sites in converted objects of different purposes in order to show alternative locations of learning spaces. The research undertaken resulted in the determination of the value of the existing buildings, possibilities of their further use or modernization as well as the description of places which can be effectively converted for educational purposes.

Keywords:

Classroom, school building, refurbishment, learning space, learning landscape, informal education.