Bookish

the school library

Libraries are no longer stuffy and silent book storage facilities but are places of learning and discovery, story telling, group interaction and cozy spots for reading and focused study. In selecting furniture for a k-12 school library, we look to understand the various activities and provide fun, flexible and diverse areas for children to interact with the library materials, staff and each other.

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fun reads

Some reads that inspire us and we’d like to share -

1. Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

2. The Architect Says: Quotes, Quips, and Words of Wisdom

3. The Book of Symbols. Reflections on Archetypal Images

4. The White Castle: A Novel by Orhan Pamuk

5. Creative Pep Talk: Inspiration from 50 Artists by Andy Miller

What is on your bedside table? Let us know in the comments on our blog.

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

back to school

always learning

As the school year gets rolling what can we take away from this momentum and apply it to our own lives and schedules. Taking cues from our recent work on education projects, we contemplate the various learning modes and marvel at the beauty of learning as well as academic and personal growth. Collaboration and social interaction, focused work, art, technology, ideation and imagination, physical activity and observing nature and its creatures are only a few of the forms learning happens through. Some of us are visual while others are audible or hands-on and experimental. As architects and designers, it is our job to capture all of these various forms of learning into a universal microcosm of learning called the classroom. The classroom is a teacher’s toolbox, always shifting and changing to the various activities taking place from instruction to art projects, reading and projection of educational films. The classroom is also a canvas, reflecting students’ progress as well as the school’s values and culture. We can’t help but wonder if this designated space for learning can continue beyond its walls and beyond the confines of institutions and find its way to our own lives where it can do the same. Are you still learning?

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planning for flexibility

In a recent study of classroom furniture we looked to provide flexible seating arrangements while working with technology and other AV requirements within each space. Teacher desks and storage, areas for reading and small group study and collaboration were also carefully considered and planned for. As with most designs, we start with the development of a concise programming document outlining the activities and end-uses of each space and the proposed means of achieving them both physical and operational. Throughout the design process we will constantly refer back to this document. Early planning for furniture (FF&E) is critical in the design of spaces and the ultimate architecture of educational facilities.

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constantly learning

growing-evolving

“Don’t just be who you are and what you are. Move, evolve, change and become better each day.” When it comes to personal and professional development, we must constantly evolve. We must grow and share what we learn along the way.

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knowledge is power

At Plāna Architects we are constantly learning through our work. Not just about architecture but about the world at large. Sharing our knowledge and experience is very important to us, both within our team and our clients and collaborators. Through our practice we look to connect with people by both asking and answering the right questions on various topics. Hearing diverse opinions and points of view helps us add depth and quality to the level of design and service we provide.

Since it’s original publication on LinkedIn Learning, Branka’s course ‘Understanding the Architectural Design Process’ received accolades from both architects and those looking to enter the field. Through this course, Branka discusses and shares her own experience on various topics including the changing role of architects, the value and skills architects bring to the table, the various design phases and project delivery methods, and much more.

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Branka is currently in the process of developing two more courses on LinkedIn Learning, so stay tuned! In the meantime’ let’s keep the conversation going. We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line with any topics, themes or areas of interest that are important for you, that you might find to be challenging or would like to learn more about.