Curvy Classroom: an outdoor classroom that can easily roll up for compact storage. This outdoor classroom will provide an environment for any class to have a learning experience while immersed in nature.  

On campus, the majority of our learning spaces are inside, so we spend most of our school day confined within four walls. When the weather is nice, students often wish to have class outside, but the teacher cannot hold class outside because there is no outdoor learning space. Consequently, we have little time to appreciate our beautiful landscaping and nature at Episcopal. So, it is important to have a designated space so when students beg their teacher, “Can we PLEASE have class outside today?” the teacher can respond with, “Of course!” Additionally, teachers in all subjects can create assignments relating to their class that involve nature. 

The idea of the Curvy Classroom was initiated when we found out the subject of this semester: Deployable Structures. The idea of deployability opens up many possibilities for projects because the project can easily be stored when it is not needed. The design of the Curvy Classroom has taken many different forms throughout the semester. The modeling process commenced with a simple design: multiple panels that roll and take a circular shape. This idea was intended to be some form of a compact-able dome, allowing an entire class to convene in nature yet be protected from noise and the elements. Next, the model of the Curvy Classroom involved a more complex design that differed from the original model. This model incorporated a series of cuts that allowed for multiple directions of folding. These multiple cuts also allowed the panels to fold inside of a small box. This design was compact, but it didn’t invite close interaction with nature. Also, this design didn’t allow the most usable space for learning, being too small. Another form of the Curvy Classroom used telescoping mechanisms to move up and down, but the telescoping mechanisms weren’t very stable for everyday use.

Eventually, the Curvy Classroom went back to its roots: the original model. However, the final model was more complex and allowed more interaction with nature. The simple panels from the original model were replaced by panels with a rectangle pattern. In the built model, the openings would be filled with strong, clear plastic. These windows would allow the class to be further be integrated with nature, yet protected from direct sunlight, bugs, and adverse weather conditions. 

To begin building the final model, Rhino was used to create a cut file for laser cutting. Although the software had difficulties, eventually a full scale digital model with the curving aspect of the panels was completed. Next, a quarter scale model was laser cut with cardboard. With the cardboard model, experimentation allowed for different attachment methods for the Curvy Classroom. The final iteration is composed of acrylic material sandwiched between two wooden panels. Metal hinges will be used for limited movement for a structured dome shape for the Curvy Classroom. The Curvy Classroom took many different forms throughout the semester. However, experimenting with different designs helped us to see that our original model was the best plan. The Curvy Classroom will pioneer nature-based learning at Episcopal for all ages.