Xbrick® meets the Chur model: enriching schools • Xbrick®

In today’s educational landscape, schools face numerous challenges that are inextricably linked to the profound changes taking place in our society. Digitalization, individualization, and new ways of working are shaping everyday school life and changing the demands placed on our educational system. As a result, schools feel a responsibility not only to teach subject-specific skills but also to foster creative problem-solving abilities, social skills, and a high degree of adaptability. At the same time, expectations are rising to create a learning environment that addresses these diverse needs and not only supports children in their learning but also inspires them to take an interest in what they are learning.

The modern learning environment therefore calls for innovative approaches that prioritize flexibility and individuality. Static teaching methods, which were once common practice, quickly reach their limits today. In contrast, open learning concepts are becoming increasingly important because they better address the needs of individual students. They create space for creativity and personal responsibility and link learning more closely to the demands of the real world.

However, this reorientation also presents specific challenges:

Space Design: Traditional classrooms are often no longer sufficient to support different learning formats such as group work, presentations, or individual work.
Motivation: A diverse and engaging environment is necessary to motivate students.
Flexibility: The rooms and furniture must be able to adapt quickly to different teaching scenarios.
Inclusion: Differentiated learning environments must meet the needs of all students, regardless of their individual circumstances.
Responsibility: In light of global challenges, it is important for schools to operate in a resource-efficient and environmentally conscious manner.

Against this backdrop, concepts such as the Chur Model offer exciting solutions that rethink learning and view spatial design as the key to success. But what exactly is behind this approach, and how does Xbrick fit into the picture?

The Chur model and similar approaches: Focus on flexibility

The Chur Model was developed in Switzerland in the 1990s, more specifically in the canton of Graubünden, whose capital, Chur, gave the model its name. It stems from the work of Peter Fratton, a Swiss educator and educational reformer. Fratton explored new forms of learning in depth and designed this concept to break away from traditional teaching methods and create a flexible learning environment tailored to the individual needs of students.

The model grew out of the idea that learning is an individual and dynamic process that is often hindered by rigid structures in everyday school life. The Chur Model uses self-organization and a focus on competencies to create a learning environment in which students can learn independently and at their own pace. Classes are no longer dominated by a fixed schedule or traditional classroom arrangements, but are instead replaced by dynamic structures tailored to the students’ learning needs. The key features include:

Individualized learning: Each student pursues individual learning goals and works on assignments at their own pace. The learning process is personalized through targeted assignments tailored to each student’s current level of learning. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and promotes self-motivation.
Self-directed learning: Students can decide for themselves when and how to work on specific learning content. This freedom not only promotes personal responsibility but also the ability to organize themselves independently and set priorities.
Learning stations: The rooms are divided into different stations that address specific learning objectives and skills. This allows students to switch between practical, creative, or theoretical tasks as needed.
Group discussions and circle time: Regular meetings in a circle provide an opportunity to reflect on learning progress, clarify open questions, and introduce new tasks. This structured interaction strengthens social bonds and provides clear guidance.
Active Learning: Integrating movement into the daily learning routine not only improves concentration but also promotes physical health. Examples include short breaks for physical activity or the use of flexible learning spaces such as the floor or open areas.
Flexible learning spaces: Instead of traditional classrooms, the Chur model offers multifunctional learning environments. Furniture that can be quickly rearranged allows for dynamic adaptation to different teaching formats, ranging from individual work to group projects.
Collaborative Learning Formats: Interaction in small groups or teams is a central component of the model. In this way, students not only learn from one another in terms of subject matter but also develop important social skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration.
Diverse Learning Environments: The design of the spaces takes different needs into account. Quiet areas for focused work, creative zones for experimentation, and communal spaces for discussion foster a diverse and stimulating learning atmosphere.

This model thus integrates various modern pedagogical approaches and creates an environment that facilitates both individual support and collaborative learning.

School with Xbrick: Innovation for modern teaching

At this point, it has probably already become clear why Xbrick can play an important and supportive role both in terms of lesson design and in the overall school concept. Here is a brief summary of the advantages of Xbrick for everyday school life:

Versatile uses: Xbrick modules can be used as stackable seating elements, work tables, platforms or stage modules and offer maximum flexibility in room design both indoors and outdoors
Lightweight and mobile: Weighing just 1.4 kilograms, the modules can be easily transported by pupils of all ages, which encourages personal responsibility and supports dynamic teaching formats.
Intuitive and safe: Thanks to the self-explanatory and safe use (GS-tested), Xbrick can be used by anyone without any problems, making them particularly inclusive and versatile.
Robust and sustainable: Made from recyclable plastic, the modules are extremely durable, resistant and an environmentally friendly investment.

Xbrick supports new learning concepts by emphasizing movement, flexibility and creative learning concepts and making them easy to implement. As it is possible to start with just a few elements, this can be easily implemented as a retrofit in existing buildings with comparatively low investment. With its versatile application options, Xbrick not only supports the physical activity of pupils, but also creates an innovative environment that is tailored to the individual needs of modern learning methods.

More movement in everyday school life

Xbrick promotes the intuitive integration of movement in the classroom and offers students the opportunity to learn actively and creatively. The modules can be used in different contexts – whether as a seat, standing desk, pedestal or creative work surface. Pupils can create the optimal learning conditions for them depending on their needs and mood. Movement thus becomes an integral part of everyday school life and contributes to both concentration and well-being.

Support for individualized learning approaches

Modern learning concepts emphasize individuality, which often means that students need their own spaces for focused work. With the portable Xbrick modules, such individual learning spaces can be set up quickly and easily – whether in the classroom, in the corridor or outdoors. This spatial flexibility makes it possible to effectively implement individualized learning processes and at the same time encourages students to take responsibility for their own work.

Flexibility in every teaching situation

Xbrick is characterized by its mobility and easy handling. The lightweight modules can be easily transported and rearranged by students of all ages. Whether as individual seating, in combination as a stand or even as a temporary work surface – Xbrick adapts to any teaching situation. This means that rooms can be redesigned again and again with little effort, creating a dynamic and inspiring learning atmosphere.

Organize lessons anywhere: Change of location made easy

Xbrick makes teaching flexible and location-independent. Whether in the schoolyard, in the park or in the corridor – the modules make it possible to relocate the learning space quickly and easily. This spatial variety not only offers new inspiration for teachers and students, but also contributes to the general well-being and motivation of the students.

Practical examples: Xbrick in use at schools

The versatility of Xbrick is demonstrated – where else – in practice. Here are a few examples of applications that further illustrate the added value of the modules:

Open learning landscapes: In schools that use the Chur model or similar concepts, Xbrick modules are used as flexible seating, mobile mini tables or standing desks. This creates dynamic learning environments that promote collaborative work.
Project work: For group projects, pupils use the modules to set up workstations or build presentation podiums. The easy handling facilitates the creative process.
Individual work phases: The modules can be flexibly integrated into learning stations to promote individual learning goals. They not only offer pupils places to retreat to, but also structured workspaces.
Stage module: In all-day schools, where presentations and performances play a central role, Xbrick elements serve as mobile stages or grandstands.
Bewegung und Sport: Die Module eignen sich hervorragend für Bewegungsphasen oder sportliche Übungen. In this way, they contribute to the holistic promotion of physical and mental development.
School café: Xbrick modules can be used in informal meeting places such as school cafés to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that promotes social interaction.

Find out more about how Xbrick is used in practice → Reference projects

Game ideas for moving learning with Xbrick

The versatile Xbrick can be used to design creative games that combine learning and movement. Whether building, discussing or solving problems together – the Xbrick promote teamwork, motor skills and playful learning. Here are some examples of how Xbrick can be used to make lessons more dynamic.

“Ice floe” with Xbrick

Participants and material: 2-4 teams, 5 students and 7 Xbrick per team.

Game set-up: The Xbrick are laid out in a line, each person stands on an Xbrick, 2 remain free.

Game procedure: The 2 free Xbrick are passed forward by the last person via a human chain and laid out. The person in front steps onto the new Xbrick and the team moves up. The team moves forward step by step without touching the ground.

Goal: The team that reaches the finish line first wins.

Added value: “Ice floe” strengthens teamwork, coordination, balance and strategic thinking – and is a lot of fun!

“Organize numbers” with Xbrick

Participants and material: 2-4 children, 6 Xbrick with number cards (1-6).

Game set-up: The Xbrick are placed on the floor in a random order.

Gameplay: The children work together to find the numbers in the correct order and stack the Xbrick accordingly. Tasks such as finding numbers, placing and stacking are distributed among the team.

Goal: All Xbrick must be stacked correctly from 1 to 6.

Added value: The game promotes number sense, teamwork, communication and motor skills.

“Input in a circle” with Xbrick

Participants and material: 6-10 children, 7-10 Xbrick (one per person, one for the presenter).

Game set-up: The Xbrick are placed in a circle, with one in the middle or slightly offset for the presenter.

Game sequence: The children sit on the Xbrick in a circle while a child or the teacher in the middle gives an input (e.g. knowledge transfer, task, discussion). The children can then take it in turns to ask questions, express opinions or change roles.

Goal: Open exchange and shared learning in a structured environment.

Added value: Promotes communication, listening, presentation skills and group dynamics. The Xbrick circle creates an active and collaborative learning atmosphere.

“Creative building block” with Xbrick

Participants and material: 4-8 children, at least 12 Xbrick, optionally with learning content (e.g. numbers, letters, symbols).

Game setup: The Xbrick are distributed around the room. Some can be provided with learning content. Structures such as gates, walls or market stalls serve as goals and can visually emphasize different learning content.

Game sequence: The children build a structure together, e.g. a gate, where the learning content on the Xbrick must be taken into account (e.g. putting numbers in the right order or letters together to form a word). Other structures such as walls can visualize learning content such as sequences, patterns or concepts. After completion, they can use the structure symbolically, for example by walking through the gate or starting a new task. The tasks are distributed within the team.

Goal: Build different structures that integrate learning content and can be used creatively.

Added value: Promotes creativity, spatial thinking, teamwork and motor skills. Different structures help to deepen learning content such as numeracy or language comprehension in a playful way.

Conclusion: Xbrick as the key to flexible and inspiring learning environments

Xbrick is more than just a piece of modular furniture—it’s a versatile tool that perfectly supports modern learning concepts. With its flexibility, mobility, and versatility, it offers a forward-thinking solution for schools. Xbrick creates inspiring learning spaces that motivate students and teachers alike.
Xbrick proves to be the perfect complement, particularly within the framework of the Chur Model. The model is based on open learning environments where students work independently and find creative solutions. Thanks to its ease of reconfiguration, Xbrick serves a wide variety of functions—from individual workstations to group tables and room dividers. It promotes students’ self-organization and personal responsibility while making it easier to adapt spaces to changing needs.

Another highlight is the integration of physical activity into the school day. Flexible seating and standing options, along with the modules’ mobility, boost concentration and physical activity, which has a positive effect on well-being and cognitive performance. At the same time, Xbrick is made from single-material plastic, is durable, and is versatile—a single-material investment in educational infrastructure.

Whether as part of open learning landscapes, individual workstations, stage modules, or physical activities—Xbrick offers countless applications. It combines flexibility, movement, and versatility, creating innovative learning spaces that meet the needs of modern schools. Xbrick embodies the shift toward dynamic, inspiring learning environments that optimally prepare students for the future.