In the early 20th century, an architectural experiment was developed to mitigate the tuberculosis epidemic in Europe and North America. The open-air school, a combined education center and medical facility, utilized the restorative qualities of the outdoors as medication for sick children during their studies. As a solution to the tuberculosis crisis, the new typology focused on strengthening children’s immune systems to combat the disease.
The open-air school movement began in a German forest in 1904. By 1918, New York was operating thirteen open-air classes on abandoned ferry boats and on top of buildings, away from polluted city streets and exposed to fresh air and sunlight. Due to concerns of extreme weather, the open-air typology evolved into open-window rooms with floor plans oriented to maximize sunlight and ventilation while maintaining specific temperatures for different room types. In one 1910 report on the effects of the new classroom setting, the New York Department of School Hygiene noted physical improvements in 74 out of 107 children within three month…