Kiwa van Riel

Hiking trail

- an elementary school for movement and connection

Hiking trail is a primary school where movement and interaction are encouraged. In 2024, there are about 620 pupils enrolled, supported by about 50 teachers and staff members. The new design proposal is approximately 6,800 m2 and implements parts of western educational methods whilst respecting Japanese culture and values.   

Concept 
Children learn by interacting with each other, and by moving around or exploring. By introducing an endless hiking route, the children are encouraged to move around. In Japan, it is customary to change your outdoor shoes for indoor shoes when you enter a school building. To keep the outdoor exploring spirit alive (whilst being indoor), in the new proposal the shoes are kept on and only taken off when entering the classroom. 

Traditional Japanese classes consist of homogeneous age groups. By creating mixed age groups, children can learn from and teach each other. Conventional teaching methods also involve a lot of sitting in one clasroom for prolonged periods of time. By providing small, flexible working spaces outside of the classrooms, children can work independently and optionally connect with other groups. 

Organisation  
The building consists of an inner ring and an outer ring. The route starts with the inner ring (with the younger groups) that goes upwards. At the top, it flows into the outer ring (with older groups) and goes back down. Both rings contain a ‘learning street’ with study nooks. As a result of the hexagonal shape of the building, ‘learning squares’ emerge in the corners where learning streets come together.  

The younger children’s learning spaces overlook the inner courtyard, which creates a safe playing environment with plants and trees for the younger children. The older children’s learning spaces overlook the school grounds and surrounding neighbourhood, which is the more adventurous outside world. 

Goal 
In Japan, there is a rising demand for schools with alternative ways of learning. This project aims to inspire by implementing western educational and architectural elements into a Japanese learning environment, whilst respecting and preserving the existing culture and values. Hopefully, it will stir up the discussion and enable more people to dream. 
 

Graduation date: 28 May 2024
Graduation committee: Pnina Avidar (mentor), Elsbeth Falk, Yukiko Nezu
Additional members for the exam: Gus Tielens, Micha de Haas