Today – more than ever – education is synonymous with art and design. Creativity remains one of the most important tools when teaching children and is certainly not dismissed in higher education. Contemporary culture favours the dynamic mind. Frame went back and selected 10 examples that reveal how the use of strong shapes and colour better facilitate learning.

1. Sjötorget Kindergarten by Rotstein Arkitekter

Even from its stark-white exterior, Stockholm’s Sjötorget Kindergarden is evident. The architects used bold colours to indicate different spaces but to also inspire children’s imaginations.

2. L’Ecole Polyvalente Claude Bernard by Brenac and Gonzalez

Reflecting the poetry of the site – within Paris’ 19th arrondissement – the architects designed L’Ecole Ployvante’s interior to be conducive with the high energy levels of children aged 3 to 11.  

3. Bangkok University Bu Lounge by Supermachine Studio

Supermachine Studio transformed university offices into a vibrantly inviting student centre. Colours, patterns and textures break up the two story space with room to read, study and tutor.

4. 2 Day Language School by Masquespacio

The interior of the Valencia-based language school entirely reflects the branding Masquespacio first developed for the institution. Walls are covered in colour gradients and pop-up lettering.

5. Braamcamp Freire High School by CVDB Architectos

As part of a nation-wide campaign to renovate over 300 Portuguese schools, Braamcamp Freire’s brutalist architecture was broken up into intermediary learning squares.

6. Kita Drachenhöhle by Baukind

Baukind converted a former salt sauna into an adventurous kindergarten. This Berlin-based school brings the outdoors in with interactive spaces aiding children in their daily routines.   

7. The Cairns Institute by Woods Bagot and RPA Architects

How often does a school improve the local life around it? Cairns-based James Cook University recently opened an affiliated research centre that fits in perfectly with its tropic surroundings.

8. Summa College Veldhoven by Puur Sang

While Eindhoven-based students interned with Puur Sang, they redeveloped their own school. Working with teachers and fellow students, their redesign better suits everyone’s needs.

9. Meditation and Indigenous Cultural Centre by DWP|Suters

Within Bentleigh Secondary College’s campus, Melbourne-based DWP|Suters developed a meditation centre aimed at Inspiring students to be sustainable citizens.

10. DDS Kindergarten School by Khosla Associates 

Indian architecture-firm Khosla Associates design the DDS Kindergarten in Bangalore to be entirely climate-sensitive. A colourful puzzle of textured façades filter sunlight into classrooms.