A21 collective implemented the highly innovative design for the STEM Center in Merichleri, Bulgaria.

Merichleri is a small city in the south of Bulgaria. Its population has shrunk drastically in the last 20 years. It has only one primary school. Despite the decreasing number of students in attendance, the school has made efforts to increase the quality of education and modernize its facilities.

Since early 2021 the school has been involved in a project that aims to encourage the creative learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by applying innovative methods of teaching.

In order to provide the necessary facilities for this new approach, a classroom was fully renovated, equipped with modern teaching aids, and linked with a converted terrace. Multiple zones were designated for different modes of learning (one sided communication, individual and group work, socialization, learning through doing, physical activity), incorporating the inside and outside spaces.

Design: A21 collective
Photography: Alexander Kyuchukov & Yoana Koleva