Rosan Bosch Studio’s design for Humanitree Hive and Flight is based on an innovative educational system that prioritizes autonomous student learning.

 Key features

Founded in 2011 by Ricardo Salinas Pliego and María Laura Medina de Salinas, Humanitree’s purpose is to create inspiring environments that cultivate learning curiosity through play, a mission that has been translated into a holistic spatial concept by Rosan Bosch Studio. The middle and high schools occupy the upper floors of an office building, while the preschool and primary schools will be in a different location. Comprising three learning ecosystems, the 10,000-sq-m-space is organized into groups corresponding to coastal, forest and mountain themes. Inspired by Mexican landscapes, these areas provide various learning opportunities. 'Coast’ facilitates movement and performing arts with a versatile sports court and multipurpose room. Science labs and art studios promote practical learning in the ‘Forest’ ecosystem, while social sciences and communication are supported by a central plaza within the ‘Mountain’ area. Each ecosystem reflects the school’s vision and offers a framework where Humanitree’s project-based pedagogical strategy can be applied.

The integration of playful spatial elements upholds Humanitree’s six key learning mediums – discovery, focus, collaboration, creation, movement and encounters –, naturally triggering curiosity and interaction between students. Classrooms are enclosed in glass, with colourful details, curved walls, interconnected paths, interior landscaping and adjustable furniture forming a flexible environment where students are encouraged to choose their preferred learning style.

FRAME’s take

Marking a departure from traditional educational spaces and institutional design, this Mexico-based school places the learner at the centre of its programme and highlights the relevance of responsive spaces. The agency given to the students through the well-defined pedagogical philosophy takes shape in the flexible and agile spaces with reconfigurable layouts and furniture. Acknowledging learning as a dynamic process, Humanitree’s design introduces diverse environments and strays away from a one-size-fits-all approach, with integrated playfulness underlining the rising need for learning spaces aligned with the unique profiles of students today.