Hi, I'm Rebecca Hare.
I provide services as a
design consultant
and I am a science and
design educator.
Wait, what is that? Keep Reading...
So here's what I do:
In the spring of 2016, I worked with Webster School District in St. Louis, Missouri
The challenge — design four 6th grade science classrooms and four elementary classrooms to support democratic and project based learning. The process — It started with a group of amazing educators and leaders deciding that they wanted to make learning better for kids. They were budget conscious and wanted each element to enhance student learning. The results — each space is physically different and supports different ages to have a more democratic learning environment. Even better — the spaces we created have a common aesthetic (we did do eight spaces after all) so as budgets allow new classrooms can be transformed. Each space supports students to learn through making. We even have makerspace areas in each room so that designing and creating can happen where they learn the most.
In the spring of 2016, I began work with Gulliver Schools in Miami, Florida
to design their new 21st Century Learning Space
The challenge — Work with students and faculty to co-design a learning space. The process — I first met with a group of 6th graders and their teachers to discover how and where they learn best, what they want to do with their learning, and what they need in a space and program. The process II — once we understood the vision for the space, we co-designed the plans in a way that the space can be used for community events and every-day learning. The results — we hope to have it finished by Fall 2016 (so far no wrenches have come close to this project). Even better — this is a school that is comprised of students from around the globe. We are designing unique ways for students' cultures to be celebrated in the space.
In the spring of 2015, I worked with the Affton School District in St. Louis, Missouri
The challenge — make better learning spaces for students that give them the ability to make, create and design. The resources — fixed budget, librarians, innovation team and teachers. The process — it started with lots of listening, that led to collaborative solutions. The results — together we redesigned several spaces, from a library to a kindergarten class to a design studio. They're more comfortable, collaborative and support students in self-directed learning. Even better — the spaces we created offer students their own spaces to build upon. Simply, this can now evolve, transform and be recreated in the classrooms by the students and teachers as they choose.
In the summer of 2015, I worked with St. Mary Margaret Alacoque in St. Louis, Missouri
The challenge — Replace the school's computer lab with an Innovation Lab and reconfigure the library. The resources — we're trying to use a small budget and create a test space, planning that additional money can be devoted to other spaces in the future. We also had staff, volunteers and students. This is the beta. The process — before school got out, we met with a group of 7th graders to work through their needs and wants. One said "We just sit and learn but we don't do anything with it." We brainstormed together for their wish list and how they could have more agency in their learning. They very quickly took over and led the discussion. The results — We designed a space to allow students to develop their ideas, prototype, work collaboratively and present their final work in Ted Talk fashion (there's even a red circle-shaped carpet!). Check out the space's site.
Here's what else I've created
Exhibition design with rezzonico design, Como Italy 2004-2012
We designed exhibition spaces for a number of global clients in the medical and household industries from communication concept to project management and implementation. It was fancy.
And this
Product design with rezzonico design, Como, Italy 2004-2012
I worked on design projects from concept to pre‐production, working directly with the clients to figure out their needs and coordinate the development of the design. So basically, I made stuff happen.
And this
Creative direction with Lake Como Lifestyle Magazine, Chiasso, Switzerland 2009
I worked at a magazine, which was really fun. I was responsible for all the creative aspects, including
fashion shoots, advertising, page layout, and magazine events. I also helped redesign the magazine, creating a
new format, layout and logo for the brand. (And once, I got to be on the cover.)
I was also a student once
And I had a really great art teacher who taught me that artists make choices. Now, I believe that by providing students with rich experiences, materials, true choice in what they create and time to experiment, we can give them the learning environment that can help them grow and discover these things for themselves.
Finally, (and yes, this is my mission statement right here) I believe we need to take ourselves out of the equation. Their artwork does not reflect on us. The experiences we provide them does.
Finally, (and yes, this is my mission statement right here) I believe we need to take ourselves out of the equation. Their artwork does not reflect on us. The experiences we provide them does.