Science Lab - School
Sector
Corporate
Location
Illovo , South Africa
Type
Junior school - turnkey project design and project management
SQM
30sqm
Goal achieved
Active learning spaces that enhance both learning experience and educational outcomes
Extensive research has shown that the design of educational environments can directly influence learning outcomes, engagement and cognitive performance. This project was driven by the understanding that well-designed spaces have the power to enhance and in some cases fundamentally change, how learners experience and engage with education.
The brief was to transform a dated, uninspiring science laboratory into an environment that sparks curiosity, encourages collaboration and fosters a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. The space was reimagined as an active learning environment that supports both academic focus and creative thinking.
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Maximum impact was achieved through the strategic use of subject-specific, imaginative and visually stimulating wallpaper applied to both walls and ceiling. Glass walls and internal partitions were enhanced with layered decals, introducing whiteboard surfaces, technical reference material such as the periodic table and imagery linked to robotics and information technology. These elements invite interaction and allow learning to extend beyond desks and textbooks.
The laboratory is wrapped in glass, allowing generous levels of natural daylight and continuous access to fresh air. Both are proven contributors to improved concentration, memory and cognitive function in learners. The openness of the space promotes collaboration, shared discovery and multiple viewpoints, while also reinforcing the social dimension of learning.
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The result is an engaging, future-focused classroom that supports active participation, community and informal exchange. By aligning educational design with research into cognition and behaviour, the space actively enhances both learning experience and educational outcomes.
