Haba commissioned Bouwery to design a holistic, modern interior concept to positively shift existing stress factors for both children and teachers within the German KITA classroom paradigm (age 3-6).

Every child has different needs, moods and preferences. For instance, there are Do’ers & Snoozers, Buzzers and Bruisers, Readers and Rioters. So, a one-size-fits-all approach would not be an effective solution. Additionally, the wider age range provided its own challenge: Children ages 2-4 ‘Learn by Playing’, while children ages 4-6 ‘Playfully Learn’. Furthermore, stress factors exist for both introverted and extroverted pupils.

So, we asked ourselves, “How can we design a playful learning environment where pupils and teachers with diverse needs can thrive, where they feel at home and at ease, … where they see school as their Habatat!”.

To create the most varied learning environment, we devised a system of “mood” areas within a typical classroom, allowing different activities to run independently, but simultaneously amongst each other. These mood areas are what we call the CRAFT zones: 

Create – Retreat – Active – Focus - Teach

These zones provide contrasting functions such as loud-quiet, slow-active, focus-dreamy, etc., all within a coherent framework of uniform elements.

HIVE

All these distinctive worlds are created with a single building block: the Habatat HIVE.
The HIVE is a versatile element that can create multiple environments within the classroom. Its modular core element is a hexagonal prismatic cell that can be applied to different configurations.

The Habatat collection is a catalogue kit of parts that can be configured into any number of clusters to realize the needs of the classroom. It can allow for various group sizes:

Large – full group circle time (start the day, eat together, end the day)
Medium – smaller focus groups
Small – individual spaces

Examples of Habatat configurations are the HIVE Wall, the HIVE reading corner, The HIVE creative station, and the HIVE work desks.

The HIVE’s multi-functionality allows for better Class management by the teacher and it can cater to the changing needs of each new class every year.

Inserts are used to personalize each HIVE cell, giving the child ownership of the space to make him/her feel at home. It also provides a means for the kids to express themselves, create their personal space, as especially toddlers may not have the vocabulary to express themselves.

After the school day, the elements function as storage units to keep the classrooms tidy. The exposed learning tools and toys are known to trigger activities and enhance a pupil’s independence.

See also the Habatat Puzzle Poufs which are separate elements that can be integrated into the HIVE system.
www.bouwery.com/habatat-poufs