How Can We Design a Home for Learning?

In this project, students embraced their role as pioneers of a new learning community in Hakuba, taking on the responsibility of making thoughtful decisions that will shape the school for future generations. Using the design thinking process, they ideated, prototyped, and tested ideas to inform decisions about the look, feel, and function of the new campus.

The project began with empathy—students shared their experiences, discussed what they valued in a learning environment, and considered diverse perspectives as part of a participatory design process. They then conducted research into their own interests and identified specific problems they wanted to solve through their designs.

To gain real-world insight, students visited a local lumber mill, another international school, a construction site, and an energy-efficient office, drawing inspiration from these experiences. With this foundation, they created and refined their designs, compiling their work into portfolios that documented their collaborative decision-making and creative process. The project also encouraged hands-on experimentation, allowing students to test materials and make sustainable choices for the future of their school.