DISSOLVE: Reimagining the School as a Fluid Landscape of Learning

The "Dissolve" project, conceived by Biray Akkuş, Ceren Özeren, and Doga Akalin, challenges the conventional typology of school buildings and the standardized education systems they often embody. Shortlisted in the Play ON School competition, "Dissolve" proposes a radical departure from rigid classrooms and corridors, instead envisioning a fluid, interconnected landscape that empowers individual learning and encourages student agency.

Challenging the Typological School

The design team's research revealed a pervasive trend of standardized school structures and educational approaches. Classrooms arranged around corridors, with spaces and actions clearly defined, had become the norm, limiting the potential for personalized learning experiences. "Dissolve" confronts this typology, advocating for an educational environment that caters to the unique needs and desires of individual students.

Dissolving Boundaries, Creating Connections

At the core of the project lies the concept of "dissolving" boundaries between spaces. The design features a series of interlocking, undefined spaces that flow seamlessly into one another, encouraging students to move freely and explore different learning opportunities. This fluidity allows for spontaneous interactions, peer-to-peer learning, and a sense of community.

Individualized Learning Pathways

"Dissolve" prioritizes student agency by offering a diverse range of spaces tailored to different learning styles and needs. Students are empowered to choose their learning environments, moving between quiet study areas, collaborative workspaces, hands-on labs, and outdoor learning zones. This flexibility promotes self-directed learning and fosters a sense of ownership over the educational experience.

Contextual Integration and Security

The design responds to the contextual challenges of the site, including limited green space and security concerns. The building's facades are largely impermeable, with student circulation confined to inner courtyards, ensuring safety and creating a sense of enclosure. A permeable glass facade connects the conference hall to a wooded area, establishing a visual link to nature and encouraging community use of the space.

Circulation as a Dynamic Experience

The circulation system is conceived as an integral part of the learning landscape. The interlocking and dissolving of spaces extends to the roof coverings, creating a dynamic and multi-level experience. This approach blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, encouraging exploration and movement throughout the building.

Dissolution as a Visual Language

The concept of "dissolution" is reflected in the building's visual language. The facade features a series of dissolved elements that break down the massing, creating a sense of fragmentation and visual interest. These elements also serve as interactive components for children, transforming into tables, chairs, steps, and doors, further blurring the line between architecture and play.

A Transformative Approach to Education

"Dissolve" represents a transformative approach to educational architecture, breaking free from the constraints of traditional school design and embracing a more fluid, student-centered model. By dissolving boundaries, promoting individualization, and creating a dynamic learning landscape, the project empowers students to become active participants in their own education, fostering a love of learning and preparing them for the challenges of the future.