Yunlin County Huanan Experimental Elementary School｜Mindstorm Lab

“ Outdoor education is an important way for children to explore the world, as it stimulates their curiosity and desire to discover. ”

Huanan Experimental Elementary School in Gukeng develops its school-based featured curriculum around the theme of outdoor education, guided by the belief that “learning begins in life, is practiced in life, and continues in life.” Seasonal courses integrate mountain exploration, field investigations, service learning, and civic engagement. Such rich and diverse learning content requires an adaptable learning environment—one that allows students to shift among self-directed learning, group collaboration, and individual tasks, using various learning tools such as tablets, canvases, posters, and presentation stages. Traditional fixed classrooms, desks, chairs, and blackboards are no longer sufficient for these emerging teaching needs.

From Small to Large Surfaces — Bringing the Spirit of PBL to Life

The design team developed the Idea Expansion Studio by using mobile whiteboard carts as the primary element, forming a system of “scalable surfaces” within the space. Students can think individually using a small surface (a single board), expand to a medium surface (two to four boards combined) for group discussions, and ultimately present on a large surface (integrated into an entire classroom wall). This flexible and transformative system supports continuous cycles of expression, communication, and reflection—core values and practices of PBL learning.

Flexible Learning Tools — Allowing Ideas to Flow Freely

Mobile whiteboard carts, storage cabinets, and height-adjustable desks can be combined or rearranged according to different teaching modes, creating high adaptability in the learning environment. On the outdoor corridor side, integrated storage units, a washing station, and a mountain-shaped stepped shoe cabinet strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This setup enables the presentation stage to extend beyond the classroom and merge with the symbolic and meaningful treehouse plaza, offering students and teachers a dynamic venue for performances, exhibitions, and public presentations.