“American middle schools have become the places where academic achievement goes to die” - Cheri Pierson Yecke
million
students missed more than three weeks of school during the 2015 – 2016 school year, which is considered to be chronic absenteeism
57
percent
of students are worried that a school shooting could take place at their own school
million
2.8
adolescents in the United States between the ages of 12 and 17 experienced at least one depressive episode
RESEARCH
8
theories
maslow's motivation model
PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS
air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sleep
SAFETY NEEDS
protection from the elements, security, order, law, stability
BELONGING NEEDS
friendship, trust, acceptance, affection, group belonging
ESTEEM NEEDS
dignity, achievement, mastery, independence, respect
COGNITIVE NEEDS
knowledge, understanding, curiosity, exploration, meaning
AESTHETIC NEEDS
search for beauty, balance, form, etc
SELF ACTUALIZATION
potential, fulfillment, growth, experiences
TRANSCENDENCE
faith, spirituality, looking to others
Maslow’s Motivation Model is an extension of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. In this version, three needs are added- cognitive, aesthetic, and transcendence. The theory is that each need must be met before the next need can be addressed. The cognitive and
aesthetic needs are very tangible within education interior design and can be met using developed design skills. However, Yakman Middle School must also address all needs that come before it otherwise those needs are superfluous. For example, physiological needs can be met in the cafeteria with food and the respite area, located with the lockers as a place of rest.
Belonging needs are addressed in areas where bullying is highest- bathrooms, hallways and lockers. The bathrooms have been designed without hidden corners and stalls are fully closed to prevent harassment and embarrassment. Hallways are virtually non-existent and lockers have been shortened and given another purpose of respite.
Cognitive needs will be met through instructional classes and experiences. The class areas are designed to enourage students to explore in a way that best suits them.
Design helps shape our world from day to day activities and routines to cultures and future civilizations. These spaces make people feel a certain way and react to different situations. When people can make a space their own, they become more relaxed and comfortable.
Yakman Middle School will also have a focus on community. Members of the community are welcome to come teach students new vocations and skills to get a broader picture of what is possible after high school. Community involvement is also encouraged in the outdoor learning spaces of the middle school.
Sense of Place is the theory that attachments are made to every place we visit, especially those we visit often. These attachments can be either positive or negative. When evaluating spaces, there are four factors people generally consider: atmosphere, self benefit, social factors, and negative aspects. Through design, one can address all of these areas and interweave them to create a desirable space for the users (people who interact with the space).
Sense of place theory
The Georgette Yakman Middle School, named after the creator of the STEAM acronym, will be centered on the student’s well-being in mind. The school will promote a holistic health mindset and promote green and sustainable practices. This school will be a safe place for middle school students to come learn and explore.
Research and Programming for our thesis projects are done during the fall semester of our senior year. We submit this work in the form of a lookbook. This lookbook contains more in-depth research, goals and objectives, theories, user profiles, and the justification of our site. For more information, please click through my book!
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