Looking for a minimalist lifestyle? Dream of downsizing to a space that really forces you to reconsider whether you need all those books? Have we got the property for you! Welcome to the brand-new “hubs” at the Noble and Greenough School (although, as one could observe, these so-called hubs do say ‘trailer’ on the side of them). Due to the construction on Shattuck Schoolhouse, the school has unveiled a fleet of sleek, white, box-shaped offices. The sales pitch practically writes itself: modern, sparse, and perfect for anyone who has always dreamed of studying in something that feels part-trailer, part-storage unit, part-cell.
When asked to describe the new hubs in a single word, English Department Chair Jessica Brennan said, “Sparse.” The word seems to capture both the minimalist design and the daily challenges of making the space feel habitable.
English Faculty Gia Batty said, “[They’re] funny. We discover new things all the time.”
Indeed, every visit is an adventure. One week, you realize there’s limited bookshelf space, the next, you discover that the walls won’t accept your creative intervention.
“Tape does not stick to the walls,” Batty said.
Posters, decorations, and bulletin boards crash to the ground as if the walls themselves are rejecting your attempts at coziness. Yes, more shelving would be great, but until then, books must be stacked creatively: on desks, on the floor, occasionally in emotional piles of defeat. In the business, a real estate agent might call this “low-maintenance interior design.”
Each unit comes with windows framed by heavy gray bars, offering that “prison-chic” feel that seems to be trending on Pinterest these days.
The open floor plan also provides the unique feature of mobility, not because you can rearrange furniture, but because, as Brennan said, “[The hub] shakes when you open and close the doors. If you are a motion sickness person, it is rough.”
This is not just a quirk of the architecture. It’s a lifestyle. Who needs a standing desk when your entire workplace is a balance board?
What about the location? The trailers are scattered around campus, some more precariously placed than others. Of course, every great property comes with a touch of danger; that’s what keeps it exciting! Many have noted that the hub near Baker could be considered especially unstable, being positioned on a slight hill. While some might call that a flaw, you can think of it as an elevated, dynamic living experience. Why settle for a building that stays still when you could have an office that keeps you on your toes (literally!)? Nothing will help you focus more than the constant existential threat of your hub tipping over!
But it’s not all about minimalism and motion sickness; Batty and Brennan both appreciate how these tight corridors create a sense of community you simply can not get in a traditional office. With desks inches apart and doors that swing open, teachers are chatting, laughing, and helping each other more than ever. Whether it’s swapping teaching tips or sharing a laugh about their unpredictable office, the hubs encourage collaboration, camaraderie, and a bit of friendly chaos. It’s hard to feel isolated when your office mates are always just a shuffle away.
To sum things up, here’s why you should invest in a learning hub:
- Guaranteed minimalist aesthetic (because nothing fits or sticks).
- An opportunity to test your sea legs.
- A built-in social icebreaker: “So, uh, do you think this thing is going to collapse?”
- Perfect for teachers hoping to practice the art of focusing. There are no distractions, not even wall decorations!
And the best feature of all? Every shake, every groan of the walls, every new discovery makes for a story that will live on long after Shattuck is complete.
