The Koç Model School: A Prototype to Drive Innovation in Education

The Vehbi Koç Vakfı Model School is a Middle School Project (5-8th grades – second level of primary education) inspired by the questions “What do learning environments provide?” and “How can we transform current learning environments?”, and attempts to question the elements of the learning environments where the skills needed in the 21st century can flourish.

The Third Teacher is the result of a learning experience that was launched by the US-based global design firm Cannon Design, with expertise in K-12 / higher education architecture, VS America, trailblazing with ergonomic furniture solutions for learning environments since the 19th century, and Canadian designer Bruce Mau. Inspired by The Third Teacher book, the Model School places the child at its core, and uses “79 ideas” including lighting, classroom layout, dining areas, schoolyards, teaching methods, and engaging the parents and graduates while designing the learning environment. (thethirdteacherplus.com)

In addition to reimagining and redesigning the Ziya Ünsel Middle School in Beykoz, Istanbul, the project has also focused on building a school culture with the participation of students, teachers, school administration and parents since February 2014. In the June and September seminar periods, nearly 30 teachers of the existing school attend workshops to discuss elements of the model school philosophy, create curriculum-related content, encourage effective communication and improve classroom management in different external settings such as museums and through teamwork. On the other hand the approach used in the project is presented to educators and architects / designers in conferences and workshops, and thus spread wider.

This model school, which will be transferred to the Ministry of National Education once its re-construction is completed, is envisioned to set an example for the education system and donors.