PRIMARY SCHOOL : THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

SCHOOL School is a recognised place of learning. Embodied within the physical form is the concept of school as developed in the historical and cultural context specific to our nation. A common experience in the modem world, school is where we learn the basics of living. The keyword is learn. LEARN By understanding how learning takes place within the school, the making of the place becomes clearer. The acquisition of knowledge is directly linked to the environment a child exists in. As a child learns about the environment, his or her knowledge increases. As knowledge accumulates, the boundaries of the environment are extended. It is through this cycle, the child matures. The school is one place where maturation occurs. Learning, however, must not end when the textbook is closed. Politically, economically and culturally, Singapore cannot be supported by children educated in a production line. Diversity is required from the children without forgoing the common cultural values. This must be encouraged by the built environment ARCHITECTURAL ISSUE Architecture can contribute to a learning environment. Since much of learning is acquired through observing and doing, platforms for these actions to occur are crucial. Whether the actions occur simultaneously or sequentially, the planning of the spaces and the detailing of the image of the school plays a vital role in educating the children. The learning environment extends beyond the school and into the immediate environment. The thesis is thus extended into a consideration of the school and its context. SITE The primary school is located in the Tampines Housing Estate District 18. Surrounded by flats and a town centre, it is a neighbourhood school located to bring education to the children.