The Ideal Classroom

Materials:

Brainstorm
1. What activities and functions does a classroom need to meet?
2. What are some must-haves for the space?
3. Is there flexibility to do multiple activities at once or change up the space by function?
Challenge
1. Set a scale for the classroom based on the graph paper available. (For example, 1 inch equals 5 feet.)
2. Sketch the ultimate design using the chosen scale. An architect’s scale can help you calculate dimensions.
3. Lay out the important features of the ideal classroom to scale. Think about the activities and functions brainstormed in step 1.
Share
1. Convince teammates that this is the ideal classroom!

Calculate square footage.
Note what compromises are made throughout the process to create the ideal classroom. What features had to be changed or discarded?
Design a classroom for a friend. When architects work for a client, the client’s needs supersede personal aesthetics. What challenges did you face?
How do you work around constraints?
For an online resource, visit SimCity and develop your ideal plan — for any space — in multiple dimensions.