Profile

Email

belen.zevallos@srh.de

Science ID

2E1B-2929-B797

Ciênciavitae

ORCID

Lab2PT Group

LandS - Landscapes and Societies

Scientific Area

Arts; Architecture

Supervision

Cidália Silva

Project Title

Making a Case for Space: About the Role that Space Plays in Digital Learning in German Community Schools

Abstract

The pandemic catalysed an accelerated digitalization process within an already evolving educational landscape. While new software and hardware for virtual teaching garnered considerable attention since 2020, physical spatial settings have been comparatively overlooked. Nonetheless, the successful implementation of pedagogical transformations hinges on pedagogy and the spatial environment where teaching and learning occur. Moreover, as reported by the German state development bank KfW (2022), the backlog of investments in school renovations exceeds 45 thousand million euros. This presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the architecture of future schools, integrating digital spatial configurations. This work commences by tracing the evolution of learning spaces in German schools, drawing from pedagogical theories and socioeconomic trends. It then presents three case studies spotlighting the pivotal role of space, analysing schools that embrace innovative pedagogical approaches grounded in digital tools and distinct spatial layouts. Through field research and a landscape and territorial perspective, this work elucidates the spatial implications of digital learning. Drawing on case studies from community schools, this PhD research illuminates the reciprocal relationship between architecture and pedagogy amidst rampant digitalization, heightened media and political discourse on education, and the pressing need for school building renovations. Additionally, it emphasizes the pivotal role of the built environment in shaping social interactions and fostering innovative avenues for rooted learning. Finally, it presents a compendium of learning settings to address how to design for digital learning, which nevertheless takes place in physical learning spaces.

Keywords

Learning space; digital learning; future schools; pedagogical architecture; architecture & pedagogy

Organic Unit

School of Architecture, Art and Design of the University of Minho