School is Not a Classroom: Pam Mundy on Reimagining Educational Spaces

Pam Mundy advocates reconceptualizing educational spaces beyond traditional classroom structures. She emphasizes that "when one says 'school,' people envision one thing: a building, corridors, classrooms. I don't really know what a classroom is anymore!" Emerging Educational Models Mundy notes that new approaches are emerging globally, particularly post-pandemic. She references how COVID prompted institutions to reconsider educational delivery, similar to how the Reggio Emilia approach emerged from post-WWII reconstruction. Design Philosophy Mundy collaborates with progressive architects on innovative school designs. Key principles include flexibility and adaptability in learning spaces, authentic sustainability integration, and human-centered design prioritizing child perspective. Specific Examples A Brazilian school features retractable lab tables stored in ceilings A Texas school includes a central "agora" space with movable glass walls Indonesian kindergartens demonstrate creative use of minimal spaces with convertible furniture Child-Centered Perspective Mundy recommends experiencing spaces from a child's eye level rather than adult perspective, ensuring environments genuinely serve young learners' needs and well-being.