We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Gueston Smith about their original and creative Mobile Smart Classroom design work. Gueston Smith is an award-winning service designer, that makes our world a better place with their original mobile smart classroom works.
Gueston Smith ("GS") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Magic School Box Mobile Smart Classroom. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
GS : The main principle, idea, and inspiration behind my design is to revolutionize the current education system in America, which has remained stagnant since the industrial revolution. This outdated system was designed to produce factory workers, not innovative thinkers. It stifles children's creativity by enforcing rigid rules that provide little space, opportunity, or encouragement for self-discovery. I firmly believe that those who know themselves can think for themselves and inspire others to do the same. Thinkers are the catalysts of change, the instigators of revolution. They fearlessly question the status quo, and with proper guidance, these thinkers will drive the progress that transforms our society for the better. My design aims to decentralize education by introducing mobile classrooms that foster socio-emotional learning, entrepreneurship, self-defense, financial literacy, philosophy, mindfulness, and critical thinking. By bringing Hip Hop, which essentially means "intelligence moving," into the conversation, we can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. This approach will empower students to develop a deep understanding of themselves and the world around them, ultimately cultivating a generation of visionary leaders who will shape a brighter future for all.
GS : My primary focus for this project was to create a mobile classroom that captivates and stimulates the mind from the moment one lays eyes on it. The exterior features a vinyl wrap showcasing a sketch I made to represent the creative mind. It depicts the left and right brain, with the right brain bursting with vibrant colors symbolizing unbridled creativity. By incorporating elements of Hip Hop Culture, such as carefully selected wheels, I aimed to demonstrate thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and a unique flair that many fabricators often overlook when creating mobile spaces. Upon entering the classroom, I wanted to create a moment of discovery and intrigue. The zig-zagged entry encourages curiosity and exploration as observers walk past LED screens displaying profound wisdom from some of history's greatest thinkers. This immersive experience sets the stage for a learning environment that is far from the bland, uninspiring classrooms prevalent in our society today. Moreover, I placed a strong emphasis on incorporating natural lighting and bringing nature into the space through the presence of plants. These elements are crucial for stimulating the mind and fostering a sense of connection with the world around us. To further enhance the learning experience, I integrated interactive LED screens along the interior walls. These screens provide a fully immersive environment where students can learn, draw, and actively engage with the subject matter of the day. By designing a space that seamlessly blends visual stimulation, intellectual inspiration, natural elements, and interactive technology, I aimed to create a transformative learning experience that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on participation. Ultimately, my goal was to develop a mobile classroom that challenges the status quo and sets a new standard for educational environments. By focusing on visual appeal, moments of discovery, natural elements, and interactive technology, I sought to create a space that truly inspires and empowers students to explore, learn, and grow in ways that traditional classrooms both in the United States and around the world often fail to achieve.
GS : My future plans for this award-winning design are multi-faceted. First and foremost, I aim to introduce and pitch this revolutionary concept to institutions, local jurisdictions, local schools, entrepreneurs, and online learning platforms, encouraging them to implement it on their own. By sharing this innovative approach to education, I hope to inspire a widespread adoption of this transformative learning environment. However, my ambitions extend beyond simply sharing the design. As I continue to grow and achieve success in my endeavors, I aspire to create my own mobile classrooms based on this concept. With these self-owned classrooms, I plan to visit local schools and communities, showcasing the incredible potential that lies within each individual when they are given the right tools and environment to thrive. By bringing this cutting-edge learning experience directly to students, I aim to ignite their passion for knowledge, creativity, and self-discovery. I want to demonstrate that with determination, hard work, and a willingness to think outside the box, anyone can achieve remarkable things in this world. Ultimately, my goal is to create a ripple effect of positive change in education. By inspiring students, educators, and decision-makers alike, I hope to contribute to a future where learning is not confined to the traditional classroom setting, but rather embraced as a dynamic, immersive, and transformative experience that empowers individuals to reach their full potential.
GS : The seed of this concept first took root in my mind back in 2018. Since then, I have been on a transformative journey, refining and evolving the idea through a series of synchronous opportunities and deep introspection. Through various opportunities and experiences, I have been able to evolve the design to its current state. Having the right tools, environment, and team has been crucial in this process. As I continue to grow and develop, so too does the design. As time passes, I find myself attracting the missing pieces of the puzzle, allowing the concept to expand and flourish in ways I never initially imagined. The development of this design is an ongoing process, a dance between my own personal growth and the universe's guiding hand. I believe that the right team, equipped with the necessary tools and operating in an environment that fosters creativity and innovation, holds the key to unlocking the full potential of this concept. As I continue to align myself with like-minded individuals who share my passion and vision, I am confident that the design will reach new heights and make an even greater impact on the world of education. Looking back, it's incredible to see how far this concept has come since its inception in 2018. However, I know that this is just the beginning. As long as I remain open to the opportunities and lessons that the universe presents, and surround myself with a talented and dedicated team, there is no limit to how much this design can evolve and the lives it can touch. The timeline of this design is not measured in days or months, but rather in the synchronicities, personal growth, and divine guidance that have shaped its journey thus far. And I am excited to see where this path will lead in the future.
GS : I was 24 years old when I first imagined this design concept. It was not a commissioned project, but rather a product of my own inspiration and determination. From the moment the idea took hold, I knew it had the potential to make a significant impact on education and personal development. I felt compelled to pursue this vision and bring it to life. Over the years, I have remained committed to refining and realizing this concept, despite the challenges and obstacles along the way. It has been a journey of personal growth and unwavering dedication. Looking back, I am grateful for that initial spark of inspiration and the support I have received from those who believe in the transformative power of this design. It is a testament to the idea that following our passions and staying true to our convictions can lead to the creation of something truly meaningful.
GS : I plan to lease the rights and produce the work myself.
GS : My passion for designing modular spaces, shipping container spaces and mobile structures stems from a long-standing interest in bringing portability to architecture. I believe there is significant value in creating environments that are not fixed to a single location. Shipping containers and mobile spaces offer a unique opportunity to craft adaptable and flexible structures that can serve various purposes and cater to different needs. The challenge of transforming these industrial elements into tasteful and functional spaces inspires me. My design philosophy is rooted in the idea that architecture should be fluid and adaptable rather than static and rigid. By incorporating portability into my designs, I aim to create spaces that can evolve and grow alongside the people and communities they serve.
GS : Not specifically.
GS : Institutions, local jurisdictions, local government, local schools, entrepreneurs, and online learning platforms.
GS : The aesthetic is unmatched. No other designer has the same taste or experiences that I do to create this design.
GS : Magic School Box was a play off of the Magic School Bus, a very popular animated educational children's television series show for children in the United States. It was based on a book series of the same name. The Magic School Box allows for a similar level of discovery that was hyperbolized in the Magic School Bus.
GS : Sketching, AutoCAD, Google Sketchup, V-Ray, 3D Max
GS : The Entryway. It creates moments of curiosity, discovery and exploration.
GS : Over the years, I've collaborated with the esteemed global entrepreneur, Gary Mack, and my 3D Designer, Niko Perkovic, a brilliant 3D graphic artist to help me bring this vision to reality on a refined level.
GS : Technology will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the product. The strive for immersive education encourages immersive technology, artificial intelligence and decentralized financial payments in the future. As the project develops, I will look for spatial technology to integrate into the mobile structures themselves to bring more convenience to the traveling aspect of the product.
GS : The racial wealth gap in the United States, largely perpetuated by unequal access to quality education, was the primary influence behind this design. Research shows that many Black students in underserved communities lack access to specialized knowledge, a strong sense of community, and positive encouragement compared to their counterparts in more affluent areas. To address this disparity, I reviewed the research of Chase Bank on the impact of unequal educational opportunities and used this data to inform the design. By incorporating elements that foster specialized knowledge, community building, and positive reinforcement, the design aims to provide students in underserved communities with the tools and support they need to succeed. While this design alone cannot solve the complex issue of the racial wealth gap, it targets a key factor - access to quality education & support. By using data-driven solutions to address systemic inequalities, we can create spaces that have a meaningful impact on students' lives and their communities.
GS : The biggest challenge was designing within the constraints of the Department of Transportation to develop a space that is functional, permissible by code and aesthetically invigorating.
GS : It felt right. The world needs to see the intent, the thought and the appreciate for empathetic design.
GS : I became a better man, entrepreneur and designer through the development of this project because it is a true passion project that wasn’t created to make money but to provide an appropriate solution to the problems we see today.
GS : If you’d like to see more, visit www.guesscreative.com
