New schools for the 21st century: Children experimenting with architecture

What should schools look like in the 21st century, if they are to be more than just places to learn - if they are to inspire and encourage a sense of community?

The JAS association - Jugend Architektur Stadt e.V. - is running a workshop at the contractworld.congress 2008 from 14 to 15 January, designed to give schoolchildren an opportunity to study their school environment and come up with their own design ideas.

Right now there is a unique window of opportunity to establish schools where young people enjoy learning - and learn effectively. JAS is an association of architects, planners and teachers who want to encourage young people to respond creatively and responsibly to their urban surroundings, and to involve them more closely in planning and building issues.

The association is a project partner of the international network PLAYCE, which was set up in 2004 under the auspices of the Alvar Aalto Academy in Finland and now has members in 13 European countries, Japan and the USA.

Using exercises based on play, the workshop seeks to stimulate a more conscious awareness of the environment and its exploration through new knowledge and craft skills. At the end of the two-day workshop its findings will be presented and discussed at the show.