Tools at Schools at MAD

The collaborative vision of the classroom today, designed by forty-four 8th graders from The School at Columbia University, exhibited as a full-scale model. The exhibit immerses audiences in the entire Tools at Schools program – experiencing the process of design, from ideation to modeling, first hand. Attendees will walk away recognizing the role design plays in early education, and it’s role in everyday problem solving.

Tools at Schools is a partnership between creative consultancy aruliden, American furniture manufacturer Bernhardt Design, and The School at Columbia University in New York City. The project was created to introduce design into the school's eighth grade curriculum. The students were asked to rethink their everyday environment and envision more efficient solutions, starting with the classroom basics – the desk, the chair, or the locker. 

Tools at Schools debuted to the 2011 ICFF industry trade show, where it was awarded the Editor’s Award for Best Design School, a honor usually reserved for university programs. Tools at Schools was also recognized by the Core77 Design Awards as one of the most notable educational designs of 2011.

For further information visit http://www.tools-at-schools.com.