Taking a student-first design approach, Lea Architecture developed a multi-faceted maker space for technology education at Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn.

Key features

Coding, podcasting, 3D printing, physical making and more are all on offer for students at Saint Ann’s Maker Space. Uplifting ‘children as the client’, says Lea Architecture principal Jane Lea, the team created a series of dedicated educational areas for these activities and more, including a computer lab, podcast studio, core workshop and multi-use corridor. Agile workstations allow students to easily return to in-progress projects, and open areas provide them space to display their work and discover others’. ‘Insights from members of the staff and faculty supported these needs, emphasizing spatial and material adaptability and longevity, and the flexibility to keep screens and physical tools separate for distraction’s sake.’

The Maker Space’s aesthetic is minimalistic and natural, placing all emphasis on the kids’ evolving creative output. Conceived in collaboration between the architects and students, functional pegboards made from durable plywood can be found throughout the centre. Light wood also features prominently, as well as seating in softened primary colours. 

FRAME’s take

As the use of digital tools becomes an even more inevitable part of daily life and new ed-tech tools rapidly come on the market, educators face the ongoing question of how to best incorporate technology in the classroom. The so-called ‘wicked problem’ brings about other burning questions, in relation to design: What kind of spaces are most effective for tech-integrated curriculum? And how can they sustainably service teaching and learning needs, when technology is ever-changing?

The Saint Ann’s Maker Space is a particularly interesting case study in the way it responds to these edu-existential queries. Lea Architecture’s design fosters curiosity and creativity around tech amongst the student body, offering an accessible, visually open environment to learn, explore and share. At the same time, it provides a flexible environment educators can adjust as needed, whether tools or teaching styles change.