Questioning the very essence of education itself the École de Plein-Air stands before you. This isn’t just another school. It’s a testament to innovative thinking and a response to a pressing health crisis. Let’s step back in time and explore the story of this unique institution.
The École de Plein-Air represents a fascinating chapter in the history of education and public health. Conceived in the early 1930s the open-air school in Suresnes emerged as a pioneering solution to combat tuberculosis a widespread and devastating disease particularly affecting children. Inspired by the principles of sanatoriums the school’s design prioritized fresh air and sunlight.
Architects Eugène Baudoin and Marcel Lods envisioned a learning environment that blurred the lines between indoors and out. Classrooms were designed as detached units. Large glass screens formed the walls which could be fully opened. This allowed students to study in the open air effectively eliminating any separation from the natural world.
Imagine children learning their lessons surrounded by the sounds and scents of nature. The design fostered a connection with the environment. It emphasized the importance of sunlight for health and well-being. The École de Plein-Air aimed to provide a therapeutic environment where fresh air and natural light were integrated into the daily lives of students.
The school admitted over 300 of Suresnes’ most vulnerable children until 1940. These were children deemed particularly susceptible to tuberculosis and rickets. The École de Plein-Air provided not only education but also medical supervision. It was a holistic approach to child development.
During a visit in 1937 Ethel Rob the Supervisor of Kindergartens in Amsterdam New York described Suresnes as a socialist commune where automobiles perfumes and dye-stuffs were made. Her description paints a picture of a delightful school nestled in a quiet orchard where children could simply be children. Historical photos support this image.
After 1940 the school’s fate took a turn. In 1954 the state acquired it and repurposed it for children with various disabilities. It finally closed its doors as a school in 1996.
In 2002 the École de Plein-Air gained recognition as a listed monument. Today it houses the INSHEA. This is the National Higher Institute for Training and Research for the Education of Young Disabled Persons and Adapted Teaching. The building continues to serve an educational purpose albeit in a different capacity.
Consider the architectural ingenuity of the École de Plein-Air. Its modernist design reflects a belief in the healing power of nature. The adjustable glass walls and terraces allowed for maximum sunlight exposure. The furniture was light and easily movable for outdoor lessons. Every detail was carefully considered to promote the well-being of the students.
As we stand here let’s appreciate the visionaries who created this remarkable school. They recognized the importance of fresh air sunlight and a connection to nature in promoting children’s health and education. The École de Plein-Air serves as a reminder of the power of innovative design and the enduring importance of prioritizing well-being in education. It makes you wonder if such open-air schools may be needed again in the future especially with the rise of antibiotic-resistant diseases.