Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has revealed its design for WeGrow, the first school to open under the WeWork banner. Located in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, the school will serve children ages three through nine with an educational foundation akin to Montessori methodologies. These principles informed the playful, interactive design, which is marked by layered wooden structures in elliptical shapes.
The indoor learning space is centered around an open classroom plan with various furniture items installed to facilitate play, yoga, reading, dance, and even martial arts. The modular, fluid interiors promote a collaborative learning environment punctuated with curvaceous volumes, acoustic clouds, natural materials, and neutral colors to also instill a sense of calm. Stacks of large round cushions and gray pillows of varying sizes and tones are distributed randomly throughout.
