Based on the insight that spaces for communication are always also spaces for learning, the American futurist and consultant Dr David D. Thornburg defined four prototypical forms of communication and learning, symbolised by the terms: Mountain Top, Cave, Campfire and Watering Hole. Schools and other educational institutions can use these communication metaphors to better plan which learning formats they wish to support, and which spaces – or, in the case of digitally supported communication, which technologies – are needed for them.
The Danish architect and designer Rosan Bosch further developed the system, adding the category Hands On and visualising the five archetypal forms of communication with pictograms.
Learning and Communication Types
MOUNTAIN TOP
One to many
- Oral presentations, live or digital performances, e.g. readings, webinars, telephone links and similar formats
- Typical use: presentation to a group, in person or using digital media
CAVE
Personal learning space
- Physical and digital, individually chosen spaces for retreat and focused work. Single-person rooms, libraries, home offices
- Typical use: learning without distraction, working alone, concentrating, working quietly
CAMPFIRE
One to many, with interaction
- Semi-structured, collaborative physical and digital learning environments, e.g. discussion rounds, meetings and online-supported communication
- Typical use: group work, interdisciplinary teamwork, listening to others, exchanging ideas, discussing
Watering Hole
Many to many
- Informal gatherings, physical or digital, e.g. cafeterias, playgrounds or break rooms, halls and corridors, wikis and social collaboration platforms
- Typical use: working in small groups, teamwork, listening to others, everyone contributing
Hands on
Tactile experiences – added by Rosan Bosch
- Enhancing physical and sensory experiences to deepen positive learning outcomes, e.g. through play, exploration and experimentation
- Key aspects: touch, grasp, feel, experiment, build
The content and graphics on this page are taken from the New Work Order studies Kreative Lernwelten (“Creative Learning Environments”) and Macht der Räume (“The Power of Spaces”) by trend researcher Birgit Gebhardt. The studies can be ordered free of charge under IBA Publications.
Rosan Bosch is CEO of the Rosan Bosch Studio, based in Copenhagen with branches in Chicago and Barcelona. Her work ranges from exhibition design to the interiors of schools and innovation centres. Current projects include the Academy for Global Citizenship in Chicago, the Montessori School in Landau and the Children’s Library in Billund.
More information: https://rosanbosch.com/
Dr David D. Thornburg founded the Thornburg Center, based in Lake Barrington, Illinois, USA, dedicated to the use of new technologies in schools and adult education. Under the science-fiction-inspired term Holodeck, he experiments with spaces that can be flexibly adapted to suit the situation.
More information: www.edutopia.org
