The spatial model of the classroom and its immediate surroundings: a variety of learning spaces

This paper looks into the spatial dispositions of the classroom and its immediate surroundings in elementary schools, with the goal of defining a broad learning space, in accordance with modern intentions in pedagogy. The starting assumption is that the learning space may offer versatility and a variety of options in the educational process. In the development of the spatial model two key contributing factors have been taken into account: the implications of the modern educational process and potential spatial characteristics. Various levels of spatial interrelationship are considered between the classroom and the adjacent classroom, the break-out space, communication area, social activity zones, and the outdoor classroom. Accordingly, by using the modelling method, a conceptual spatial model of the classroom and its immediate surroundings is defined such that it can receive specific applications in the design of elementary schools.