Learning Lab Wichita, located on the second floor of Wichita's Union Station in Kansas, is redefining the schooling experience by designing a co-learning environment inspired by the co-working space model that has gained global momentum.
The facility houses four "microschools," each serving as a unique educational "neighborhood" with specialized areas like science labs, kitchens, and print shops. These common areas encourage students to engage with peers across different learning models, promoting a collaborative atmosphere. The facility is set across a 15,000-square-foot space and offers diverse programs, including A/V clubs, technology classes, and physical education, often partnering with local experts to enhance the curriculum.
The Learning Lab is supported by Stand Together, a philanthropic organization founded by Charles Koch and aims to create more personalized learning pathways. Architect Danish Kurani, who contributed to the design, envisions the space as a departure from traditional industrial-era school models, fostering creativity and peer-to-peer learning among the microschools. By integrating flexible, collaborative spaces and personalized learning approaches, Learning Lab Wichita is pioneering a new model for education that could serve as a blueprint for future educational environments.
