THE STAME OF THE STREET Bridging the Gaps, A Journey from Streets to Learning

Abstract

Architecture, when done well, can improve lives. And perhaps no building typology better exemplifies this transformative power than schools-- The place where young minds are nurtured. Bridging the gaps, the journey will be from streets to school. Designing a learning center based on non-formal education system, in slum of 1-11 sector Islamabad for children between the ages of 6years to 13years, giving opportunity to relish their childhood and to be a responsible contributor to the society. The children living in slums and streets, drop out of school due to financial problems, family pressure to earn and unable to keep up with the strict schedule of formal education system. Projects in impoverished areas all serve as sources of optimism in communities where dreams often are shelved because of the daily struggle to survive. To reintegrate the young into the society it is crucial to provide them with an environment to lower their mental stress, encourage them to learn and live a better life and most importantly confidence on own self and trust forsociety. The project revolves around the concept of a third teacher, the environment- designing innovative learning spaces, interactive and multifunctional, engaging the learner focusing on child psychology, exploring the flexibility in architecture to respond easily to changes throughout their lifetime and dealing with local materials fulfilling the needs of the community to develop ownership to the project.