Designing Schools for Students with Sarah Dirsa

About this episode

Sarah Dirsa discusses her journey from teacher to architect and the importance of designing schools that prioritize student needs and adaptability.

In this episode, Jessica Westerduin and Carla Cummins speak with Sarah Dirsa, principal at KG&D Architects, about radically student-centered design in educational spaces. Sarah shares her unique journey from English teacher to architect, explaining how her teaching experience in Florence and St. Louis shaped her approach to creating flexible, individualized learning environments. She discusses innovative projects featuring collaborative zones, adaptable classrooms, and spaces that foster student agency and ownership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of listening to stakeholders, meeting learners where they are, and designing schools that evolve beyond traditional classroom models to prepare students for future careers and technologies. Takeaways: Listen first : Understand pedagogical goals and community needs before designing Meet learners where they are : Accommodate diverse learning styles with flexible spaces Challenge assumptions : Reimagine schools beyond traditional classroom models Design for choice : Create varied zones for individual, small group, and collaborative learning Think ahead : Build adaptable spaces for evolving technology and teaching methods…

People in this episode

Host: Kevin Stoller

Guest: Sarah Dirsa

Topics covered

• student-centered design
• educational spaces
• flexible learning environments
• collaborative zones
• student agency

Keywords

• education
• architecture
• learning styles
• future careers
• technology

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Designing Schools for Students, the Better Learning Podcast

Places: Florence, St. Louis

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