What should schools look like to make children feel comfortable and inspire them to explore the world? At the beginning of September, this was the question asked by students from Brno, Dortmund, and Vilnius during a joint workshop organised by the Faculty of Architecture at Brno Technical University.

For a decade, researchers at the Faculty of Architecture of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) have been exploring the possibilities for schools to adapt their existing spaces to changing needs. The results of their research are actively integrated into the architecture study process: an intensive study course on school architecture became international in 2023 and invited participants to meet at Brno University of Technology this year.

The program began with an excursion to Litomyšl and continued in Brno, where students visited various educational buildings – from historical institutions to contemporary realisations. During these visits, students asked questions, observed, and critically reflected on how the environment influences both pupils and teachers. Based on these experiences, international student teams developed projects that reflected their own visions for the learning spaces of the future.

The resulting proposals focused on flexible spaces supporting informal education, creativity, and collaboration. Students explored ways to open schools to their surroundings and to integrate natural elements such as gardens or outdoor classrooms.

The teams consisted of students of architecture from VILNIUS TECH, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and Brno Technical University. The final project presentations became an open discussion about the kind of schools we want to build for future generations.

In 2023, the workshops took place in Vilnius, and in 2024, it was held in Dortmund, Germany. The curator of the VILNIUS TECH intensive study course is Doc. Dr. Liutauras Nekrošius.