317studio organizes learning around a campfire-inspired core
Located in Xizhi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, Qingshan Forest by 317studio reimagines a conventional classroom at Qingshan Elementary and Junior High School as a flexible, forest-like learning environment. Designed to support the long-standing focus of the school on scouting education, the project accommodates teaching, hands-on training, and group activities within a single adaptable space. In a region marked by frequent rainfall, outdoor exercises are often brought indoors, prompting the need for a classroom that can host action-based and experiential learning.
The architects replace the typical front-facing layout with a shared central zone inspired by the ritual of gathering around a campfire in a forest clearing. This spatial shift encourages participation, visibility, and collective use, allowing students to engage more actively with both instructors and peers. The classroom can be easily reconfigured into discussion settings or open activity zones, supporting a range of teaching formats and group dynamics.
a frontal view reveals the classroom’s open layout | all images courtesy of 317studio
taiwan classroom features rope structure & hands-on learning
A continuous rope system spans across the wooden ceiling structure, forming a tent-like framework above the central area. Referencing scouting culture and practical skills, the installation by 317studio also acts as a spatial organizer, defining the room without enclosing it. The Taipei-based team arranges storage, display, and functional elements along the perimeter, maintaining visual openness while supporting flexible use. Movable furniture and integrated drawer units allow the classroom to shift seamlessly between different configurations.
Natural references are embedded throughout the interior, notably through acrylic plant specimens incorporated into the walls and ceiling. These elements were handcrafted by students as part of the design process, reinforcing a hands-on approach to learning. More than a classroom, Qingshan Forest operates as a base for scout activities, club use, and inter-school exchange, translating the values of scouting into a spatial and experiential framework.
an oblique interior view shows how the circular opening and timber structure define the room
the classroom can be reconfigured into a discussion setting
317studio reimagines the classroom around a shared central zone for gathering
the flexible interior supports scouting activities
the rope system acts as both a spatial organizer and a reference to the culture and rituals of scouting
acrylic plant specimens embedded into the wooden structure introduce natural references throughout the interior
integrated storage and movable drawer units support flexible use
a display wall for camping equipment and teaching tools reinforces the scouting identity of the classroom
the original classroom followed a conventional layout that lacked flexibility for scouting-based learning
the concept diagram translates the idea of gathering around a campfire in a forest clearing
project info:
name: Qingshan Forest
architect: 317studio | @317designstudio
location: Xizhi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom
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