The Committee on Architecture for Education spent November 7 – 10, 2000, in Amsterdam exchanging ideas with the Europeans about the future of school design. Innovative Alternatives in Learning Environments didn’t limit itself merely to the shape of the school—it delved into how educational methods are changing and how they are affecting buildings.

Speakers from Europe and the U.S. discussed the importance of project-based learning in designing their schools. This teaching method requires flexible space to accommodate a variety of class and group sizes, as well as niches for students to learn on their own. Technology, and the need for both computer labs and access within classrooms, is also affecting school design in Europe.

Project-based learning is moving to the forefront in the U.S. as well. For example, Alpha High School in Portland has taken flexibility to a new level, with walls that can be moved throughout the day to accommodate a variety of projects and student groups.

In addition, both European and American schools are forging closer ties to their communities. As participants learned on the tours, The Netherlands has taken this directive literally by building schools above stores in city shopping districts and at the base levels of residential complexes.

The conference breakout workshops effectively explored six themes in school design—location, space, time, scale, cost, and context—and required participants to consider the effects of these specific elements within the design process. After meeting three times, each workshop group presented its findings and ideas to other attendees.

Unless otherwise noted, text for these proceedings is by Sara Malone.