Architecture as a tool of learning-rajkiya ambedkar residential school, Buxar

Abstract

The schooling system comprises mainly three elements: students, the learning process and the built environment around students. This physical built environment affects the cognitive and emotional behaviour of a child. This research focuses on how a school can be designed by employing various learning theories such as behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism etc. Although each theory focuses on a different aspect of learning they can be implemented in some mix to create a more conducive environment for children to learn and explore. These theories can again be implemented to create an environment where students are not always regulated but given freedom of exploration to learn on their own. The paper collects insights from teachers through interviews on architectural manifestations of the chosen learning theories. These insights along with derived architectural manifestations are used to create recommended strategies for designing schools promoting self-directed learning