Client: BSM – Pompeu Fabra University
UPF Teaching Spaces, BSM – Pompeu Fabra University
Designing the future of learning spaces.
Deardesign has leaded the transformation of two traditional classrooms into new multipurpose open spaces at the School of Management of the UPF (Pompeu Fabra University) in Barcelona. Recognised with the German Design Award 2018, this has been possible thanks to modular dynamic furniture plus a great commitment to technology, lighting and sound, leaving behind the traditional and permanent rows of chairs and desks and teacher’s platform.
The new space has been conceived specifically to meet the standards of contact and learning required by the new teaching model of UPF, where the student is playing the main role. In order to involve students actively and make learning become practical, the new spaces had to accomplish some design principles:
Comfort
spaces had to create a physical and mental feeling of comfort and wellbeing.
Aesthetics
the pleasure which includes the recognition of symmetry, harmony, simplicity and fitness for use.
Integration
balance between technological and educational resources.
Re-use
the potential of several uses within a same space.
Thanks to mobile furniture, the classroom can transform into multiple formats: individual or group presentations, grandstands for teamwork, individual work and combined simultaneous formats.
Lighting and acoustics have also been taken into special account, by helping to minimise sight fatigue and by providing soundproofing.
The exterior patio, previously in disuse, has been recovered and turned into a terrace where students and teachers can have a break. It is even possible to hold some events. This porch merges into the classrooms through some steps that work as a sitting area when presentations are given.
The furniture has been created using simple shapes to suit the whole project concept. The bench-desk can be combined to create a team table, used individually as a desk and seat, or even set to work as a grandstand. The lighting fixtures are designed under simple lines, reminding of a classic design from the Bauhaus.
Thanks to design it is possible to meet the aim of transforming education into an active involvement model where practical learning and people interaction play the most important role.
