Back to school: Panta Rhei interior by i29
What are the odds? Remember i29, the Dutch design studio specialized in making schools a more pleasant place for students? Their latest project is Panta Rhei, a public school in Amstelveen, Netherlands, which is exactly where we’re posting this very article from right now (staying here till Friday).
The challenge posed by the nature of the job i29 were faced with should be obvious to all of us. The interior of the building by Snelder Architects was supposed to “link” with the students, directly and personally. i29 found their inspiration in the name of the school, Panta Rhei, i.e. ‚ÄúEverything Flows‚Äù.
Parts of the linoleum floors, the furniture, the façade and the signposting throughout the school are covered with poems by Erikjan Harmens, who worked out the themes of insecurity and friendship to get closer to the students. The texts are open, leaving room for imagination and personal interpretation.
The choice of furniture also leaves a strong impact on the overall atmosphere. Because work takes place both in groups and individually, i29 itself designed tables in asymmetrical, angular shapes which allow the furniture to be linked together in a number of different configurations. This means the pieces can be used in the general spaces as well as in the classrooms and staff rooms. Also, we’re sure you have noticed the Magis One chair by Konstantin Grcic, which fits the vocational school perfectly because of its technical aura and the fact it urges you to think about the design and production processes.
Design: i29
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The only thing that remains to be seen is if the kids will appreciate it.
I’m a big fan of Dutch design, so I have no complaints. I love i29’s old work too.
Actually, I like their taste. After all, it is what makes them who they are.
I also find the minimalist design of the school interior quite stunning. Lots of room for… thinking. :)
I have to agree on that one. It’s really weird that they prefer these “dead” colors, even though everything is already grey due to the weather.
The design is really cool. Pure minimalism. Not sure this is the color students would like to see in schools, though. Maybe in the Netherlands; the Dutch have always had a strange taste when it comes to colors.
So awesome. I wish schools were like this when I was a kid.