Despite a long-standing knowledge that access to fresh air and sunlight is beneficial to learning environments, architects have consistently built enclosed and artificial interiors as schools for children. This previously commonplace approach to academic design, is now failing an entire generation due to an airborne virus circulating these poorly ventilated, indoor spaces.
While the 2020 COVID Pandemic has strained our infrastructure, this challenge is not new to society. In 1918, the Influenza Pandemic ravaged the world for three years, demanding healthier and safer architecture in response. So why is the pandemic of the previous century absent from public memory? David Segal’s publication for the New York Times, Why Are There Almost No Memorials to the Flu of 1918?, links the lack of 1918 Pandemic markers to inadequate preparation for our current crisis.
There is an opportunity to remedy our previous inaction by creating architecture that addresses both the outdated school typology and prepares society for future crises. My proposed design is a prototype for a learning wedge that is conducive to healthy schooling. Each wedge is tiered, allowing students and teachers to interact from safe distances, and enclosed with a perforated façade that can ventilate and emit radiant heat. As an aggregation, these wedges transcend their programmatic purpose and become symbols scattered across Boston. Located on rooftops throughout the city, my proposed design invites us to rethink the urban school and learn from the lessons of 2020.
Urban Scale Map of existing public schools in the city of Boston. My proposal for a learning wedge can be easily configured to meet the specific programmatic and site situational needs.
Individual wedge - exploded axon
Site Plan of aggregation located in the Back Bay adjacent to Copley Square
Aggregation Floor Plan
Short Section of Wedge
Long Section of Aggregation
Interior Rendering looking out at Copley Square
