How Does Our Vision Become Reality?

In this project, students engaged in shaping the sustainable development of Hakuba International School’s new campus, including construction and landscaping within the HIS Forest. They embraced the responsibility of making thoughtful decisions that reflect the school’s values both inside and out.

Recognizing that transitions can create uncertainty, students practiced mapping their context and gathering evidence to guide change, developing skills in sensemaking, design thinking, and systems thinking. They applied these skills through life-centered design, exploring how the hybrid physical and digital aspects of modern creations can influence learning and community.

Students also strengthened scientific and social-emotional skills to manage relationships with one another and with the environment. Working in teams, they generated and tested responses to the guiding question: “Our architectural vision for a school where people and the planet flourish is…?” Their work culminated in purposeful, actionable design proposals, which they presented to stakeholders for feedback and consideration