This thesis investigates strategies for the portable classroom as a way of envisioning a new model for elementary schools in the region of Durham, Ontario. The portable and the school configuration is informed by a set of rules determined by site and program, making each school building unique and suited for its particular context. Geometry and play are at the core of how children learn, and the architecture will implicitly and explicitly engage this sense of play and learning. The pieces making up the modules have an aesthetic similar to Lego and K’nex toys, which immediately engages the childrens’ imagination and understanding, creating both a playful and engaging environment for learning. The strategy also brings together a variety of geometric pieces that form different classroom types and which can reconfigure for different rooms and uses. As such, the students may understand how the modules stack and stagger to create unique interstitial spaces for the public and for informal learning. These modules can be reconfigured using interior components that create a variety of smaller environments within the larger classrooms. As well as for expansion and contraction of school populations, these components could be recycled for use by other schools with growing populations. Thus, changing the role of the portable into a malleable, moveable aggregate, and making it easier and therefore economical to add, transform and subtract classrooms and learning spaces, school buildings come to life and change along with their setting.

The diploma-thesis deals with the monograph of Architect Emil Kralik. Emphasis is placed on his pedagogical work. It will systematically proceed from Kralik's studies and first experiences, after the introduction of the architect's personality and critical literary research. Two chapters will be dedicated to Emil Kralik as a teacher. Character and importance of his didactic work will be demonstrated by the architectural activities of his pupils. In another part of thesis will be chronologically summarized the architectural Kralik's projects, both realized and unrealized constructions. The thesis will be completed by the evaluation of Emil Kralik's work and his position in the modern Czech architecture. Keywords architecture - 20th cent., art - 20th cent., Brno University of Technology, didactic; Exhibition of Contemporary Culture Brno 1928, pupils, projectsarchitecture - 20th cent., art - 20th cent., Brno University of Technology, didactic; Exhibition of Contemporary Culture Brno 1928, pupils, projects