317studio Creates Forest-Inspired Scout Classroom in Taiwan School

Taipei-based architecture firm 317studio has completed a renovation project called Qingshan Forest at Qingshan Elementary and Junior High School in Xizhi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. The project transforms a conventional classroom into a flexible, forest-themed learning environment specifically designed to support the school's longstanding emphasis on scouting education. Due to frequent rainfall in the region that often forces outdoor activities indoors, the redesigned space accommodates teaching, hands-on training, and group activities within a single adaptable area. The architects abandoned the traditional front-facing classroom layout in favor of a central gathering zone inspired by the ritual of sitting around a campfire in a forest clearing. This spatial arrangement promotes greater participation, visibility, and collective interaction among students and instructors. The room can be easily reconfigured for discussions or open activities, supporting various teaching methods and group dynamics. A continuous rope system spans the wooden ceiling, creating a tent-like framework over the central area that references scouting culture while also serving as a spatial organizer. Storage, display, and functional elements are arranged along the perimeter to maintain visual openness. Movable furniture and integrated drawer units facilitate seamless transitions between different room configurations. Natural elements are incorporated throughout the interior, including acrylic plant specimens embedded in walls and ceilings that were handcrafted by students during the design process. Beyond functioning as a classroom, Qingshan Forest serves as a base for scout activities, club meetings, and inter-school exchanges, translating scouting principles into a spatial and experiential framework.