Much more than a library, the Hub is a contemporary environment pointing to the future of learning. At the centre of our campus, the Hub will inspire ISP learners to not only read and research but also to design, collaborate, innovate and create for years to come.
At ISP we strive to provide exceptional learning experiences that are inspiring, relevant, and prepare our students for the future. The ISP Learning and Innovation Hub reflects these goals as a place that is flexible, welcoming, and where innovative projects are supported and encouraged. Our beautifully designed space captures the best elements of a library with multiple collaborative and quiet spaces, alongside the innovative Idea Lab where cutting edge and exciting learning will be fully realized. The Learning and Innovation Hub will inspire, engage and empower generations of ISP learners, and we are proud that it serves as the centre of the ISP campus”.
What happened when students in grades 2-5 were challenged to think like engineers? Watch this video to see how they rose to the occasion. Mr Patrick Frape, Elementary Tech Coach, asked students to design a plastic widget to pick up a water bottle with a pencil – however, the pencil couldn’t directly touch the water bottle. […]
What makes a better glider? Students in grade 5 were challenged to think like scientists. Watch this video to see how their experiments rose to the occasion. Mr. Patrick Frape asked students to design better wings for a cardboard glider. Beginning with sets of identical laser-cut and 3D-printed parts, students were invited to assemble, test, and […]
Interested in experiencing life and learning at ISP? See details and registration for our upcoming Open Days here: https://www.isp.cz/open-days/ At ISP young learners can engineer bridges! Coding and Design gives young learners an edge in technology. Guided by the leadership and vision of Elementary Technology Coach Mr. Patrick Frape, ISP offers all Elementary students a […]
In his blog post ISP Director Dr. Arnie Bieber focuses on the influence of the prominent Czech artist, Peter Sís, had on the design of this stunning facility that is the ISP Learning Innovation Hub. Dr. Bieber explains his personal connection to the art of Petr Sís, as he puts it:“I grew up in New York […]
At all Grade levels, dedicated coaches integrate technology into learning. The Idea Lab is a space where students of all ages experiment with technology, computing and design. Elementary Tech Coach Mr. Pat Frape runs a session on ‘Design Thinking’ inspired by NASA on ‘Spaghetti Towers’ for Grade 2 students. To complete this lesson, students build […]
As ISP parents, we are delighted to support this magnificent transformation of the library space into the ISP Learning Innovation Hub, which provides a learning environment fit to the 21st century, the first of its kind in the Czech Republic.
When I think of ISP’s mission, to inspire and engage and empower – that’s the Idea Lab. We want to be a space that encourages people to learn with their hands and hearts, as well as with their minds. Whether you are an eight-year-old sewing a scary monster puppet or an eighteen-year-old modeling a new kind of centrifuge, with the new Idea Lab we have the space to help you realize your dreams.
The remarkable transformation of the ISP library into a new Learning Innovation Hub creates a welcoming, open and transparent space that encourages learning, exploration, design, creation, and collaboration between students, teachers, and the broader community. Upon entering this visionary facility, learners will find an adaptable and flexible future-focused environment, developed in collaboration with Czech architects Studio Perspective.
This new and exciting learning environment:
The expansion of the Library over two floors makes the Hub an adaptable space with multiple uses, and users. Integrated into the design of the second floor of the Hub are study spaces of different sizes to support individual quiet work, small group meetings, and project-based collaboration.
This design of this new space has been inspired by the aesthetic of one of the Czech Republic’s most renowned artists, Petr Sís. A large rendering of Sis’s, The Labyrinth, is the focal point of the Hub, serving as a reminder of the peaceful frame of mind and focus most conducive for deep exploration and profound learning.
Another striking feature of the library design, the ‘paper plane’ acoustic baffles soaring across the ceiling, is inspired by Sís’s Birds mobile. We hope this permanent installation will remind our students of the joyful, expansive and infinite possibilities of learning. The sky is truly the limit for learning, exploration, design, creation, and collaboration between students, teachers, and the broader community!
Upon entering this visionary facility, learners will find an adaptable and flexible future-focused environment, developed in collaboration with Czech architects Studio Perspective.
The Hub is the heart of the school. It encourages participatory learning and co-construction of understanding and skills utilising the varied spaces and resources.
The role of a contemporary library is to promote literacy, a love of reading, and to provide access to information and services, all while encouraging the sharing of knowledge and ideas. No longer does this happen in one place, but can be accessed when and where it is needed. Our resource collection is constantly changing in order to meet the immediate needs of our community.
Currently, the Hub houses 28,000 physical volumes, 20 subscription databases, and over 200,000 ebooks. The shelving has been redesigned to allow for more visibility and flow through the collection and can be easily reconfigured to meet the needs of the community. This also allows all learners to think, work, and collaborate throughout the Hub.
For our youngest learners, we have created a satellite Early Childhood Library to support our youngest students with their early literacy and creation opportunities. This space is located within the Elementary School Early Childhood wing for ease of access.
The Idea Lab is a technology- and design-focused maker space integrated into the Learning Innovation Hub. The Idea Lab supports students’ curiosity and inquiry, extending hands-on learning with both traditional and contemporary tools. Students and faculty can explore 3D printing, laser cutting, computational embroidery, robotics, and more – within a state of the art, purpose-built space.
Technology & Innovation Coaches work with the community to help develop their ideas and skills, providing advice, instruction, and pedagogical support. Glass walls invite the curious to observe the active learning going on inside. In the Idea Lab, students and teachers can learn with and from each other as they make, tinker, prototype, test, reflect, design and share their creations and discoveries.
The Idea Lab benefits from state-the-art equipment purchased through the generous donation of long-term supporters of ISP Eltodo.
Learning is a collaborative process, and the Hub provides spaces for this to happen. From one person to an entire class, open and closed spaces on both levels of the Hub are available to meet each student’s particular needs. These spaces are equipped with a variety of fittings and furniture to support collaboration, including whiteboards and LCD displays.
