Centre for Dialogue Update
by Stan Chung, Member CforL steering group, Chair of Creative Classroom Committee
Purpose
Signature circular classroom represents the learning-centred aspirations of the Okanagan College.
Circular
The circular shape allows all thirty learners to see each other in the spirit of democracy and collaboration.
Exterior
Wood clad with laminated vertical beams jutting skyward to evoke the aboriginal pit house.
Interior
Windows with wood slatting. The area above the windows may be covered by beetle-killed Hemlock known as denim wood.
Dimensions--30 feet in diameter
Flooring
--carpet
Furniture
--table designed for the instructor with comfortable chair
--mobile tablet chairs for 30 students--translucent white boards
Ceiling
--tray painted ceiling
Lighting
-perimeter pot lighting
Coats
--coat hanging options are being investigated
Technology
--subject to funding
--minimum requirements include LCD projector
Blog
http://creativeclassroomsatoc.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Change for pit area underneath Centre for Dialogue
Hot News
The Centre for Learning Steering Committee met today and confirmed that the 8 and half foot space beneath the Centre for Dialogue will not be sunken by one foot as planned.
Rationale:
By keeping the space level, the floor of the atrium will be more flexible, allowing us to use the space underneath the Centre for Dialogue for casual seating, musical groups, presentation podium, and theatrical events. Steve Robinson also believe this change will also save us some money.
Stan
The Centre for Learning Steering Committee met today and confirmed that the 8 and half foot space beneath the Centre for Dialogue will not be sunken by one foot as planned.
Rationale:
By keeping the space level, the floor of the atrium will be more flexible, allowing us to use the space underneath the Centre for Dialogue for casual seating, musical groups, presentation podium, and theatrical events. Steve Robinson also believe this change will also save us some money.
Stan
Update as of Nov 12, 2008
Dear Classroom Committee,
I have more information for you as a result of my today meeting with Steve Robinson as well as my meeting with Mike Minions, Deb Peterson, and Shirley Marshall.
Centre for Dialogue Update
--designed primarily for face-to-face dialogue
--will be carpeted—approx 30 foot diameter
--will have solid ceiling--so good for LCD projector mounting
--proposed wood (beetle kill denim hemlock spec’d) for where walls meet ceiling
--below the floating space it will be slightly sunken for a conversation area
--there will be windows facing out over the atrium
--individual cushions for floor seating will be explored
--will retain exterior wood appearance with glue lam beams jutting upward
--I have requested (through Steve) more information from the architect
Furniture Update for Centre for Dialogue
--address the concern for chairs to fit all shapes and sizes
--will try for rolling and swivelling chairs with tablets
--will try to be as “green” as possible in sourcing
--furniture should be ordered before the end of the year to reduce costs
--translucent white boards were requested
--teacher table at the front of the Centre for Dialogue was requested
Other Classrooms and Meeting Rooms
--will verify how many need to be furnished (six or eight?)
--will utilize “used” wherever possible
--requested trapezoidal tables and regular upholstered chairs for new classrooms
--study spaces will have circular tables
--requested white/clear boards outside and inside the classroom doors for placing notices
--future “art walls” should be designed and reserved for exhibits
Our next meeting is the Facilities boardroom on Friday November 21 at 2pm where we may get a look at pictures of possible chair and table choices.
Deb Peterson will be joining us.
Thanks,
Stan
I have more information for you as a result of my today meeting with Steve Robinson as well as my meeting with Mike Minions, Deb Peterson, and Shirley Marshall.
Centre for Dialogue Update
--designed primarily for face-to-face dialogue
--will be carpeted—approx 30 foot diameter
--will have solid ceiling--so good for LCD projector mounting
--proposed wood (beetle kill denim hemlock spec’d) for where walls meet ceiling
--below the floating space it will be slightly sunken for a conversation area
--there will be windows facing out over the atrium
--individual cushions for floor seating will be explored
--will retain exterior wood appearance with glue lam beams jutting upward
--I have requested (through Steve) more information from the architect
Furniture Update for Centre for Dialogue
--address the concern for chairs to fit all shapes and sizes
--will try for rolling and swivelling chairs with tablets
--will try to be as “green” as possible in sourcing
--furniture should be ordered before the end of the year to reduce costs
--translucent white boards were requested
--teacher table at the front of the Centre for Dialogue was requested
Other Classrooms and Meeting Rooms
--will verify how many need to be furnished (six or eight?)
--will utilize “used” wherever possible
--requested trapezoidal tables and regular upholstered chairs for new classrooms
--study spaces will have circular tables
--requested white/clear boards outside and inside the classroom doors for placing notices
--future “art walls” should be designed and reserved for exhibits
Our next meeting is the Facilities boardroom on Friday November 21 at 2pm where we may get a look at pictures of possible chair and table choices.
Deb Peterson will be joining us.
Thanks,
Stan
Friday, November 7, 2008
Swivelling tub chair
What if we bought 30 of these $250 from Sears.ca and organized in two semi-circular rows?
The advantage: the chairs stay grouped in a circular manner, but they can swivel to allow people to talk informally.
The proposed principle: the seating can swivel to allow for group discussion, but they are arranged primarily so that everyone can see one another in the spirit of democratic dialogue.
These are non-leather as well. Some object to the use of animal products. The vinyl surface should be easy to keep clean.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
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