서울서진학교

_hyogeun_

Special as the Norm - The word 'special' denotes 'distinctly different', defined as something belonging to a certain group, diverging from the average. In contrast, 'general' encompasses or encompasses something for everything. Seoul Seojin School was planned as an educational space for students with developmental disabilities. Whenever such schools are introduced, the term 'special school' always precedes, making it feel like there exists something far superior than the 'general schools' most people attend. Indeed, Seojin School has aspects superior to most general schools. The hallways are painted in different colors to ensure students can safely evacuate in emergencies, and the corridors are twice as wide as those in typical schools to accommodate unforeseen situations, with extensions creating PODs that exceed the function of limited space, enabling various activities. Moreover, a courtyard formed by connecting the existing Gongjin Elementary and the new building is not merely an empty space; a book cafe at its center creates a plaza for students, parents, and teachers, while the exterior space of the courtyard is equipped with furniture of varying heights accessible to all grades. Consideration in numerous aspects tailored to user's perspectives has made this place special, ensuring it has something distinctively different from general schools. However, what we must consider is that there's no reason why only 'special schools' should have such excellent spaces. The spatial arrangements described could be implemented in any school without issues. Schools, designed differently in each area, confine students in monotonous spaces akin to prisons for 12 years because of one reason: to prevent an inferiority complex. Also, the term 'special' is used to differentiate educational spaces for students with developmental disabilities from general schools, attempting to distinguish between disabled and nondisabled individuals. Therefore, just like in our parents' generation and now, schools remain unchanged in their space arrangement, unable to absorb each individual's uniqueness, and unsuitable for students with physical disabilities. The future 'school' spaces, like Seoul Seojin School, must be planned according to users' perspectives, enabling diverse students to live and, further, allowing students with physical disabilities to use the space together.