Designing for children is quite a challenge, even more so if the project concerns an educational space. Architects who face such a task must ask themselves a number of questions related to the Polish school - its functionality, character and the needs of those who use it every day. That's why designers from Atelier Starzak Strebicki asked children's opinions when working on the interior redesign of the Mieczyslaw Karlowicz Secondary Music School in Poznan.
The main goal of the architects from {tag:pracownie} was to design a functional and child-friendly school space. The needs of children in educational institutions have long been forgotten. School furniture is mainly tables, chairs and long, low benches in the corridors. The latter were and still are the most besieged, right next to well-placed alcoves where one can sit on the ground. Children instinctively choose as a place for recreation the one that is close to the cafeteria or the food vending machine.
Working with students allowed for a deeper analysis of the context of the space, which made it possible to map expectations from the new arrangement
photo by Mateusz Bieniaszczyk
designing according to needs
The architects were tasked with developing the space located next to the school store. They decided to diagnose the daily needs of users, so they asked students to create mind maps. There the children included their own feelings, experiences, desires, but most importantly they expressed their suggestions for transforming the space.
To make the poufs softer. / To make that foam thing on the wall disappear. / I would like the place to be pleasing to the eye and to be a pleasant place where we spend time with friends. / Colorful walls so it's not dirty and dreary. / To make it more cozy. Tables for doing homework. I would greatly appreciate a place for school bags!
These are just a few of the many comments the children had. Reading their statements, it is immediately apparent that, like adults, they care about being in a nice, comfortable and functional place. Working with the students allowed for a deeper analysis of the context of the space, which made it possible to map expectations for the new arrangement. Based on the consultation, the alcove next to the school store was transformed into a multifunctional space. An uninviting and unattractive place, the architects turned it into a rest and relaxation zone, while also being suitable for holding workshops and doing homework.
The choice of materials was guided by aesthetics and resistance, so the furniture was made of plywood covered with double-sided HPL laminate
photo by Mateusz Bieniaszczyk
common space
The designers were inspired by the philosophy of Dutch architect Herman Hertzberger - the previously colorless, individualized space at the school canteen took on a communal and open character, thanks to the placement of a large table, around which rows of mobile benches in the shape of a snake were placed. Book shelves and a blackboard complete the decor. The alcove is located next to the exit to the patio, so the architects made sure that the furniture could be moved outside easily and freely. The choice of materials was guided by aesthetics and resilience, so the furniture was made of plywood covered with double-sided HPL laminate.
The author team included Jola Starzak, Dawid Strębicki, Luis Gómez Soriano, Zuzanna Wysoczynska.
The designers were inspired by the philosophy of Dutch architect Herman Hertzberger - the previously colorless, individualized space at the school canteen took on a communal and open character
Photo: Mateusz Bieniaszczyk
