Pedagogical methodology & architectural facilitation

Abstract

Pedagogical methodology has rarely been considered as a driving force in educational facilities planning and design. Because of constantly changing learning modalities, state standardization of learning and incredibly diverse educational demographic, designing learning spaces that support various pedagogies is paramount if our students are to succeed in the knowledge-based economy. From its beginnings as the rural one-room school house to the contemporary single volume, teaching and learning methodologies are continually changing and adapting to contemporary necessity. Little emphasis has been placed over the qualitative aspects of facilities planning, and how children may benefit from varying spatial environments. No practical and consistent concept of open-space learning has ever been established when considering open-concept education. This is the fundamental tenet to this master's thesis. This thesis will analyze contemporary learning methodologies with particular emphasis on physical learning and the transition to digital learning. Through the analysis of varying pedagogies specific qualitative themes, modalities, and hierarchical mechanisms will be made known and the architectural design strategies will draw upon these themes. The thesis presents information necessary to designing within a neighborhood sensitive to history and place. The rich significance of place in the Mississippi/Yazoo Delta will be a driving force in the design of a K-6 Elementary school to replace the existing school. The thesis will additionally draw upon the analysis of various precedents, demographic studies, site analyses, and code analyses to establish an architecture rich in character and performative qualities necessary for growing minds.