The Qingshan Forest Junior High School Classroom in New Taipei City's Xizhi District represents a groundbreaking approach to educational interior design that transforms a conventional learning space into an immersive forest clearing. Designed by the innovative team at 317designstudio, this 87-square-meter classroom serves the school's long-standing dedication to Scouting education, providing a dedicated environment that integrates teaching, hands-on training, and group activities. The project addresses the challenges posed by the region's frequent rainfall by creating an indoor space that captures the essence of outdoor scouting experiences. Completed in 2025, the classroom has quickly become a model for how architecture can support experiential learning while maintaining a strong connection to nature.
The central design concept revolves around the shared ritual of gathering around a campfire, a cornerstone of scouting tradition. The architects have reimagined this experience within an interior setting, creating a central gathering space that functions as the heart of the classroom. This area is designed to facilitate group discussions, storytelling, and collaborative activities that are essential to scouting education. The spatial organization mimics a forest clearing, with the central zone open and flexible while peripheral areas provide more intimate spaces for small group work or individual reflection. This arrangement allows instructors to adapt the space for various activities, from knot-tying demonstrations to merit badge workshops.
Material selection plays a crucial role in reinforcing the forest theme and creating an authentic natural atmosphere. Wood features prominently throughout the space, used for flooring, wall cladding, and custom furniture elements that evoke the feeling of being in a woodland environment. The lighting design, executed by Yu-Chin Lighting Co., Ltd., carefully simulates the dappled quality of sunlight filtering through tree canopies, using layered illumination to create depth and visual interest. This attention to atmospheric detail helps students feel connected to nature even when confined indoors during inclement weather. The color palette draws from natural tones, with greens, browns, and earth colors dominating to create a calming, grounding environment.
Functionality for scouting education drove every design decision, with specific accommodations for the unique needs of this pedagogical approach. Storage solutions are integrated into the architecture to hold camping equipment, uniforms, and educational materials in an organized yet accessible manner. The layout supports circular seating arrangements that encourage equality and participation, reflecting scouting's emphasis on community and shared leadership. Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces were selected to withstand the wear and tear of active, hands-on learning activities. The design also incorporates display areas for awards, projects, and natural specimens collected during outdoor expeditions, allowing students to showcase their achievements and discoveries.
The project responds thoughtfully to the local climate challenges while advancing the school's educational mission. Xizhi District experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, which often limits outdoor scouting activities. By creating an interior space that captures the spirit of outdoor learning, the school can maintain its scouting program year-round without interruption. The classroom serves as a transitional space that prepares students for actual wilderness experiences while providing a backup venue when weather conditions are unfavorable. This pragmatic solution demonstrates how architectural innovation can solve real-world educational challenges while enhancing program quality.
The Qingshan Forest Junior High School Classroom exemplifies a broader trend toward nature-based learning environments that recognize the developmental benefits of connecting students with natural systems. Research consistently shows that such spaces reduce stress, improve concentration, and foster creativity among young learners. By embedding scouting values directly into the built environment, 317designstudio has created more than just a classroom; they have crafted an educational tool that reinforces the organization's mission of developing character, citizenship, and physical fitness. The project's success suggests that other schools might adopt similar approaches, using architecture to bridge the gap between indoor learning and outdoor education, particularly in urban or climate-challenged locations where regular outdoor access is limited.
