LEARNING THROUGH PLAYING: THE ALLEGORICAL SCHOOL OF DEVELOPMENT.

This school for children encourages healthy learning through play. It is derived from research on the Montessori and Scandinavian teaching methods. These approaches are simultaneously used to create the architecture and environment rather than relying on a structured teaching syllabus. The design proposal focuses on creating spaces where children can interactively learn through making, playing, touching, and feeling. The open format encourages children to learn at their own pace without the usual teacher versus child hierarchy. The form is carefully designed to optimise the sun and natural light qualities in all four seasons and the placement of key spaces are decided through program and use. The butterfly auditorium is the biggest, most intricate room and symbolically alludes to the free-spirited nature of children. The making of this school combines the fairy tale references of butterflies and innovative teaching methods that have resulted in a warm, vibrant and playful environment.