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The end of open-plan classrooms: how school design reflects changing ideas in education

The end of open-plan classrooms in New Zealand, recently announced by Education Minister Erica Stanford, marks yet another swing of the pendulum in school design. Depending on who you ask, these classrooms were an opportunity to foster collaboration and flexibility or an exercise in organised chaos.

Female teacher standing in an open plan classroom with students spread out sitting on beanbags. "Modern learning environments" are characterised by flexible layouts, fewer walls and sometimes multiple classes and teachers in one space.

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