Interior Design and the Classroom

It may seem that interior design elements and the classroom are far from being connected. As I read Susanka’s writings about making a house a home I could see many ways that these elements could be implemented into the classroom. Three design elements that Susanka discusses are space, light, and order.

Space includes examining how a room is laid out in regards to the activities that typically take place there. One problem that many have is to consider increasing space as the only solution for a room that is not functioning well. Susanka mentions many ways to utilize small spaces to improve functionality and create a positive experience such as dividing space into “discrete but visible areas” (Susanna, p. 8). Some of the other suggestions mentioned may be difficult to alter as an educator such as varying ceiling heights, but arranging space into specific areas is definitely possible and can improve the classroom environment.

Light is another important element that can affect the classroom atmosphere. Initially this may seem like a difficult element to alter as many classrooms are equipped with harsh lighting that is already in place, but there are other ways to alter lighting such as turning off the main lights and bringing in lamps. One of my favorite courses in high school was a creative writing course. My teacher would often turn off the lights and use alternate lighting to create a calming experience while we wrote poetry or other themed writings.

Order refers to alignment or how objects within the room are arranged. One idea for creating a classroom while considering order would be to use a grid to create symmetry or a pattern.

With all these elements together I can create a more thought out classroom environment which can create a positive atmosphere for more compelling classroom experiences.

Susanka, S. A new design language. Learn to describe the sense of "home." Excerpt from "Creating the Not So Big House."