The architects Atelier : rethinking boukunde's interior spaces

Abstract

Architecture schools hold a pivotal role in shaping both the future of the profession and the identities of aspiring architects. However, schools often fall short in adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the field. While these schools should be spaces that inspire architectural thinking, many remain rooted in outdated spatial typologies. Historically, South African architecture schools have borrowed from international models like the Beaux-Arts and Bauhaus, which were designed for hand-drawing and traditional design practices. Yet, as the profession has shifted toward digital tools and collaborative workflows, where these spaces no longer accommodate the realities of modern architectural education. This disconnect between learning environments and contemporary architectural practice raises the question of whether these schools are equipped to inspire and educate future architects effectively—and if not, how they can be adapted to better suit the student needs. This project seeks to arrange the learning environment to better foster architectural thinking and knowledge exchange. To meet the needs of today’s architecture students, learning environments must be adaptable, technologically integrated and conducive to both individual and group work. With the rise of digital technologies and design software, traditional workspaces dominated by large-format desks are no longer sufficient. Architecture schools should reflect this shift by offering dynamic, power-accessible spaces that support the fluidity of modern workflows. Additionally, these environments must cater to diverse student preferences and ways of learning, embracing diverse sets of knowledge. Incorporating a connection to nature through views to the outside is crucial, as it enhances creativity, wellbeing and productivity. Furthermore, by applying sustainable strategies, such as optimising daylight and thermal comfort, schools can support a healthy learning environment. Through adaptive reuse and reprogramming, existing schools can evolve to inspire students, enabling them to engage with architectural principles while preparing them for practice. In this way, crafting learning architecturally ensures that schools not only meet educational demands but also empower students to think critically and creatively about their future roles as architects. Keywords: Adaptive reuse, transformative learning, architectural education, progressive learning environments, student-centered spaces