Flower/Learning centre

A Vision for a Communal Learning Space

How do we learn?

Beginning with this question I started observing my surrounding for the last few years. This included my personal experiences in the Thai education system, my reflections on my own uprising through the German education system and the stories and experiences people shared with me from their experiences within the New Zealand education system. Even though they all have their differences and commons, there's one aspect they all share – it's the concept of learning within an institution, within a space where people come to and are expected to, or expect themselves to learn. I started to question the desirability of such a setting when I realised how much we learn if we are. You might wonder where, but actually it really is just a matter of being. Being in an environment that stimulates, an environment that feels save, being surrounded by people of trust and love. In such an environment we all, not just our children, start learning naturally – out of desire. My understanding of human beings includes that we naturally want to learn.

What is it we desire to learn?

There is not one answer to this question, but rather millions, billions or even endless answers. We desire to learn what is important, interesting, fascinating, stimulating – for us. Individually. Out of this observation I started to wander – what would be an ideal space for children and adults alike to learn and expand?

Vision

My vision integrates human life with all aspects in one space. A space where people live, a space where people eat, a space where people work, a space where people play, a space within nature with trees, gardens and animals, a space with loving people that live with time for each other, where everyone listens to anyone and helps each other. In such a place I imagine children alike as adults. There is always someone to look after the little ones that can freely and safely be within nature, while parents, and single mums in particular, can find time for themselves. Children of all ages can naturally follow there interests and find support within the community of such a place. There is no general busyness that give a 'no time' response to anyone. We acknowledge that we as human beings and the community we live within is the single most important thing in and for our lives. We understand us all as equals, no matter of age, gender or 'social status' – we communicate and life together as non-judging equals. This gives us the possibility to learn from our elders and our children and vice versa. It's no longer a matter of authority, but a matter of love that we want to fulfill the desire to learn of our fellow humans. Children and adults can find people that can teach them skills they are interested in to know – practical and intellectual. A space of constant being and learning. A space that supports life.

Aligned projects

• Sudbury Valley School
• Moo Baan Dek