The goal of this project is to reimagine learning spaces by combining education and architecture principles and a hint of imagination. This is done through designing a school in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C. for children aged 3-12. The design integrates Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio principles with behavioral and neuroscientific insights. Additionally, the imaginative essence of "Alice in Wonderland" brings a whimsical dimension, adding an enchanting layer to the architectural narrative. The design of the school considers how space impacts cognition and creativity, in addition to functional aspects. Highlighting the bond between architecture and neuroscience, the design emphasizes how the built environment shapes children's cognition and emotions. Sensory experiences, architectural elements, and nature integration shape the ambiance, significantly influencing children's cognitive development. Through a blend of educational philosophies, neuroscience findings, and the timeless allure of Wonderland, it aims to sculpt an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and profound world connection in children. / Master of Architecture / The aim of this project is to rethink the design of learning spaces by merging educational and architectural principles with a touch of imagination. This involves designing a school in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C. for children aged 3-12. The design incorporates ideas from early childhood education philosophies along with insights from behavioral science and neuroscience. To add a touch of whimsy, the project draws inspiration from Alice in Wonderland's story as an additional layer to the architectural story. The school's design considers how the physical space influences children's thinking and creativity while performing its practical functions. It underscores the close connection between architecture and brain science, emphasizing how the physical environment molds children's cognitive abilities and emotions. Sensory experiences, architectural elements, and the integration of natural elements shape the atmosphere, profoundly affecting children's cognitive development. By combining these diverse educational philosophies, neuroscience findings, and the timeless charm of the "Alice in Wonderland" story, the project strives to shape an environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to the world for children.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/117328 |
| Date | 09 January 2024 |
| Creators | Kavousi, Shabnam |
| Contributors | Architecture, Emmons, Paul F., Dugas, David, Piedmont-Palladino, Susan C. |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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