Why can't we have more secret (fun) spaces like this in school?

We're working on rebuilding MLC School in Sydney, Australia, with project partner architects BVN Architecture. Part of our exploration has looked at the role of the Seven Spaces in rethinking the learning that might take place, and what effect that will have on the space.

Here's a fun example of simple 'secret' space that I'd love to see more of in school. Wouldn't it be great if the physical space of learning remained one where there were always surprises, beyond the first week of entry to the institution, surprises that might take students several years to discover, which they would want to keep secret for future generations to also have fun with?

We often talk about building in more curiosity to the learning of our young people. Their building is a great place to start that:

Secret Passageway Switch
Use to activate a secret passageway (or turn on a lamp). When placed in a bookshelf, this electrical switch uses your favorite hard-bound book, without damaging it, to conceal its true function. 

Comments

[David Warlick]

Interesting. I'm thinking teacher or head teacher as game master. It also makes me wonder if Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card) might be required reading in schools of education.

Thanks for heating up my brain this morning.

[Shankar Banjara]

interesting article with picture of library thanks for sharing

[Matt Pearson]

Creating these spaces, cracks and crevices to explore, things to move and adjust that react, takes time. It is time well spent as each reactive and moldable space continues to build, accumulate and shape the learning environment. The simple act of having a creature in your space can do this as well. The curious mind is an engaged mind. I have a list of such "projects" with "secret spaces" in mind. Next up is salting and peppering the sand box with interesting things to find. In the bottom of the sand box, some deep and some not so deep, we will lay down concrete. This could be a blog to itself.

[Ca de Bou]

Interesting. I'm thinking teacher or head teacher as game master.

[SaskTeach]

@David Warlick - We do teach Ender's Game here in Saskatchewan - it is on our grade ten English Language Arts Curriculum :)

[Games For Young Children]

Thats logical stuff is speechless..
Thank you for sharing this...