Papamoa Primary School – Innovative Learning Block

DCA was engaged by the Board of Trustees at Papamoa Primary School in the Bay of Plenty to replace a leaking cellular classroom building with a new flexible learning environment.  Extensive stakeholder consultation and research was led by DCA to inform and support the ideals of a learning environment with flexibility to meet the needs of a future pedagogy.  The building is designed to function in multiple modes of varying sizes and uses arranged around a central resource, teacher and breakout core.  Large sliders are used to create variable sized spaces to meet the school’s current pedagogical methods and can adjust to meet future pedagogy requirements.  All learning space commons have a direct connection to the outdoors as an extension of the learning space and allowing for natural light and ventilation to support a healthy interior environment.  The building colours and materials acknowledge the coastal environment of Papamoa.  While the building is a small project, the research and thinking to support an innovative pedagogy is a significant step for Papamoa Primary School.