Moscow Spanish Quarters: Progressive Logika School to Offer 3D Printing

Students in the Novomoskovsk district of Moscow can look forward to a state-of-the-art new school opening this year, with construction to be completed by August. The A101 Group of Companies—one of the largest housing development builders in Russia—is constructing the school in an area known as the Spanish Quarters.

The Logika school will offer space for 1,300 children, while the White Rabbit kindergarten has capacity for 350 youngsters. A large, progressive laboratory area will be provided with equipment available for 3D printing, the study of robotics, and virtual reality. This is a unique feature built into all A101 Group of Companies schools, with the lab also expected to be available for a range of scientific experiments.

A101 is on the right track with the emphasis of STEM learning within the school—and especially with access for younger students. As the need continues worldwide for designers, engineers, and other professionals within applications centered around 3D printing and robotics, many colleges and universities are offering more advanced programs and majors in STEM.

As men continue to dominate areas like engineering, however, there is also a continued movement to begin STEM learning earlier and engage all students. This means concentrating efforts in encouraging a greater love for math, science, and coding, as well as moving forward to learn more about technology like digital fabrication—often accompanied by robotics and both virtual and augmented realities. Leaders in the manufacturing of 3D printers, accompanying software and materials, have been quite active over the last five years especially in supplying equipment to schools worldwide—with a variety of inspiring programs offered through resources like GE and Makerbot.

Overall, the “Logic” area will be made up of three wings, with the first—conveniently adjacent to the playground—housing the elementary school. Teachers will instruct the Russian students in universal classrooms, espousing a concept of learning meant to consider all children and their educational needs. Primary school students will have exclusive use of an amphitheater on the second and third levels, while the left wing of the building will be designated for all other classes.

In the center of the facility, two amphitheaters will be available for school events and class preparation areas for teachers. There will also be a regular library and a video library, along with an assembly hall which is now in the process of being built. The roof is being installed with materials made of modified bituminous components—a style meant to offer better resilience and strength, along with protection against climate. It is also designed for high-performance acoustics, and accessibility for “theatrical light.”

The school will be espousing numerous progressive new teaching ideals, from universal design to combining both play and sleeping areas in the classroom—streamlined with modular furniture—allowing for an exponential number of play/teaching areas. There are even plans for a swimming pool.