With its minimalist, almost floating architecture, Jåttå Vocational School forms the entrance to Stavanger’s new urban quarter by the fjord. The school has a capacity of 1,600 students and offers several subjects in service and technical science, among others. As one of the most modern schools in Norway, the building is a good example of how architecture can have a positive influence on an active and educational school process.
Jåttå Vocational School is designed as a small ‘town in the city’ and features a vibrant double-high central street surrounded by teaching environments and lecture rooms. How does this influence the teaching?
Tove Vatsvåg Nylund: The school was inaugurated in autumn 2007. It was exciting to see whether the architecture could set the stage for a new pedagogical approach. Already after a short period of time, we could see that the building design had an influence on the teachers’ thinking and approach. They could no longer plan the teaching as traditional classroom teaching.
The various learning areas encourage the teachers to vary their teaching and this soon became a matter of course. The transparent building makes it impossible for the teachers to hide behind a closed door with their students. The architecture has also promoted a new approach to assessing procedures and testing methods.
How has the building been received by students and teachers?
Tove Vatsvåg Nylund: These are extracts from mails that I have received from some of the teachers. One of them writes: “I think that the flexibility and opportunity to change between the different rooms, groups and the study workshop will work very well. I have been a bit sceptical towards the many glass windows making it possible to look both out and in, but I can see now that they have many advantages”.
Another teacher writes: “We have only been here for four days. The students have settled in well. They like working in the landscape, which offers them room to concentrate. The experience of light and air and the natural atmosphere provide them with peace and commitment to work. One student said to me that the architecture almost “encourages good manners”.”
What is the most significant difference between Jåttå Vocational School and other schools?
Tove Vatsvåg Nylund: This building is not built for a specific pedagogical thinking but sets the stage for a new pedagogical approach. It is a rewarding job to be Principal in a learning environment based on a modern and transparent architecture. As Principal, I am involved in the teaching in a natural and obvious way. I am inspired by committed teachers and know who my co-players are, which makes it easier to identify the teachers who need encouragement and support. I venture to assert that life as a Principal becomes more exciting when you are in direct contact with the teachers. I am grateful that the building offers me this opportunity.
The school was inaugurated with the slogan ”Eye for the individual, room for everyone”. What we working at the school all have in common is that we like to work with young people and want to give them the best foundation for doing well in life and at their future workplace. The building and the people working here make it realistic to meet the slogan.”
Inspired by the building, we have formulated our vision and values. We wish for all employees and students to get a little further, think a little more freely and perform a little more, both socially and academically, than they thought possible – or than others thought possible. Our motto is FLOAT – as the building. It will be exciting to see how we will develop in this building, which is a true inspiration.
FACT SHEET
Jåttå Vocational School
16,000 m2, Stavanger, Norway
The school is designed as a small ‘town in the city’ and features a vibrant double-high central street surrounded by small, individual teaching environments and lecture rooms.