At FDR, we have been working with various architecture companies to help us design and develop our Student Commons space, which will integrate large group open learning spaces, an innovation lab, a tech help desk, small student meeting spaces, a cafeteria and much more. One of the companies had worked on the development of Avenues: The World School‘s facilities. Since I was heading off to New York City over break to explore various innovative learning models, this school was added to the list.
Avenues is just getting started with their big vision plan to provide innovative learning experiences around the globe. They wish to have several campus that will allow students to move throughout the system of schools around the world while still receiving the same learning experience. The idea is one school with many campus in important cities.
They currently only have one campus in New York City, but are making plans for the addition of a school in São Paulo, Brazil with a target open date of 2018. It will be interesting to see how their model rolls out.
The learning spaces that they have created in the New York campus are inspiring. There are flexible spaces that transform for large group to small group. They have access to the beautiful High Line walk way. There are dual purpose spaces that serve as not only spaces for movement, but also spaces for learning. It is a school that creates the feeling of collaboration and students being owners of their learning and space. When you walk into the building, it feels more like you have stepped into one of Silicon Valley’s playfully created hive of productivity.
Visiting their school was a great reminder that when it comes to physical space for schools. The institute has not really changed. When we think about the diversity of activities we ask students to engage with and we reflect on the spaces that these things typically take place in the real world, it is a good eye opener that we have room to grow with educational design. Here is to hoping more schools, including FDR, will follow in Avenues approach!
