Circle Learning Environments: More Than a New Name – A New Vision for Modular Classrooms

For generations, the term portable classroom has been used to describe modular learning spaces designed to help schools respond to growing enrolment and changing educational needs. While the buildings themselves have evolved dramatically, the language surrounding them has not.

At TA Structures, we believe today’s learning environments deserve a name that reflects what they have become—and what they have the potential to inspire.

That belief led to the creation of Circle Learning Environments.

This is more than a rebrand. It represents a philosophy rooted in thoughtful design, community connection, and the belief that the spaces where students learn can positively shape their educational journey.

Because a classroom is more than four walls—it is a place where confidence grows, curiosity begins, friendships are formed, and futures are shaped.

A Question That Changed Everything

The concept for Circle Learning Environments was born during the design process for a new modular classroom.

What began as a discussion about architecture and functionality quickly became a conversation about something much bigger: the role a learning environment plays in shaping the educational experience.

As our team explored ideas, we found ourselves asking questions that extended far beyond construction.

• How can natural daylight improve student well-being?
• How can acoustics help students focus?
• How can a building feel warm, welcoming, and inspiring?
• How can architecture reflect the identity of the community it serves?
• How can modular construction create spaces that students are genuinely excited to learn in?

Then one question changed everything.

What if students hoped they would be assigned to that classroom?

TA Structures President Greg Kyllo remembers his own experience as a student:

“For many people, the term ‘portable classroom’ carries memories of temporary buildings located away from the main school. As a student, I remember hoping I would not be assigned to a portable classroom. I also remember a friend who genuinely worried about being assigned to one. Those experiences stayed with me.”

Years later, while designing modular learning spaces, that memory inspired a new vision.

What if the modular classroom became the most desirable classroom in the school?

What if students were excited to learn there?

What if the environment itself inspired curiosity, belonging, and pride?

Circle Learning Environments was born from those questions.

Why the Circle?

Many names and concepts were explored throughout the development of the brand.

Knowledge.

Wisdom.

Learning.

Mentorship.

Nature.

Culture.

Gathering.

Community.

Pathways.

Each represented an important part of education.

Yet one symbol continually stood above the rest.

The circle.

Across cultures and throughout history, the circle has represented ideas that naturally align with learning.

It symbolizes:

• Community
• Belonging
• Inclusion
• Learning
• Continuity
• Renewal
• Connection
• Lifelong Growth

Unlike a straight line, the circle has no beginning and no end.

It reminds us that learning is not a destination.

Learning is a lifelong journey.

One of the reasons the name resonated so strongly is that it leaves room for every community to define what the circle means to them. Rather than assigning a single meaning, Circle Learning Environments invites each school and community to see its own stories, traditions, values, and aspirations reflected within it.

The Seasons of Learning

The circle naturally reflects the changing seasons.

Spring represents curiosity and new beginnings.

Summer represents exploration and growth.

Autumn represents reflection and achievement.

Winter represents wisdom, storytelling, and preparation for what comes next.

Then the cycle begins again.

Education follows that same rhythm.

Students continue to discover, grow, reflect, and learn throughout every stage of life.

Great learning environments should support that journey every step of the way.

Designing Spaces That Inspire

Circle Learning Environments isn’t simply about constructing modular classrooms.

It is about designing environments where people want to learn.

Every detail matters.

Natural daylight.

Exceptional acoustics.

Warm materials.

Durable finishes.

Large windows that connect students to the outdoors.

Flexible gathering spaces.

Strong indoor environmental quality.

Thoughtful architecture.

These elements work together to create spaces that feel inviting, comfortable, and inspiring for students and educators alike.

When students enjoy the environment they’re learning in, the building itself becomes part of the educational experience.

Learning Spaces That Reflect Community

No two communities are the same.

Each has its own history, traditions, identity, and aspirations.

Rather than creating one standard classroom for every school, Circle Learning Environments embraces thoughtful, community-focused design.

Every project begins by listening.

Understanding the needs of educators.

Understanding how students learn.

Understanding how a building can support both education and the community it serves.

The result is more than a classroom.

It becomes a place that reflects the people who use it every day.

Learning Through Partnership

At TA Structures, we have had the privilege of partnering with Indigenous communities across Canada to design and build modular learning environments that support education today while creating opportunities for future generations.

These partnerships have taught us that every community is unique. Each Nation has its own history, language, traditions, values, and vision for education. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to designing a learning environment.

For many Indigenous Peoples, the circle holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. While its meaning varies among Nations and communities, it is often associated with connection, relationships, the natural world, balance, and the continuous cycles of life and learning.

We recognize that these teachings belong to the communities who carry them. Our intention is not to define or interpret the meaning of the circle, but rather to approach every project with humility, respect, and a willingness to listen.

The name Circle Learning Environments reflects our belief that great learning spaces are created through collaboration. Every project begins by listening to the voices of the community—educators, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, leadership, students, families, and project partners—to better understand what matters most.

Whether that means creating opportunities for language revitalization, spaces for storytelling and gathering, stronger connections to the surrounding landscape, or architectural elements inspired by local culture and traditions, our goal is always the same: to help create learning environments that are meaningful to the people who will use them.

When students see their culture, identity, and community reflected in the places where they learn, those spaces become more than classrooms—they become places of belonging, pride, and possibility.

Inspired by the Twin Anchors Legacy

The circle also connects naturally to the history of TA Structures.

For decades, the Twin Anchors family of companies has built places where people gather, explore, learn, and create lasting memories.

Circular forms have always been part of that story:

• Portholes
• Compass faces
• Steering wheels
• Lifebuoys
• Navigation instruments
• The horizon

Each represents both connection and journey.

That heritage continues today as TA Structures creates environments where communities come together to learn.

The Compass

As the concept evolved, another symbol naturally emerged.

The compass.

If the circle represents belonging, continuity, and community, the compass represents direction.

Guidance.

Discovery.

Purpose.

Together they create a powerful framework.

Students need both.

A place where they belong.

And a direction toward where they are going.

Our Aspiration

Circle Learning Environments is not intended to describe a building.

It is intended to describe an experience.

An environment where:

• Students feel welcomed.
• Teachers feel supported.
• Communities feel represented.
• Curiosity is encouraged.
• Learning is celebrated.
• Knowledge is shared.
• Connections are strengthened.

Our aspiration is simple:

To create learning environments that students are excited to enter and communities are proud to call their own.

Looking Ahead

Education continues to evolve.

The buildings where students learn should evolve with it.

Circle Learning Environments reflects TA Structures’ commitment to designing modular classrooms that are beautiful, durable, adaptable, and thoughtfully designed for the future.

Our goal is not simply to build classrooms.

It is to create places where students feel inspired to learn, teachers feel empowered to teach, and communities feel proud of the spaces they have created together.

Because every student deserves a place where they belong.

And every community deserves a learning environment that inspires the next generation.

Our Commitment

Circle Learning Environments is founded on a simple belief: the best learning environments begin by listening.

As a company proudly based in Sicamous, British Columbia, TA Structures respectfully acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc People. We are grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and build relationships on these lands.

We are also grateful for the trust that Indigenous communities across Canada have placed in us over the years. Those relationships continue to shape how we approach every project—with respect, collaboration, and a commitment to listening before designing.

We believe every community should have the opportunity to create learning environments that reflect its own identity, culture, values, and aspirations. Our role is not to define those stories, but to help create spaces where they can be shared, celebrated, and carried forward for generations to come.

Every project is an opportunity to learn together, build together, and create places where future generations can thrive.

Every community has a story.

Every student has potential.

Every learning environment should inspire both.

Let’s Build the Future of Learning Together

Whether you’re a school district, Indigenous community, architect, government agency, or education partner, TA Structures is committed to creating learning environments that are thoughtfully designed, built to last, and inspired by the communities they serve.

If you’re planning a new modular classroom, expanding an existing campus, or exploring innovative education solutions, we’d love to start the conversation.

Together, we can create spaces where students feel they belong, educators feel supported, and communities are proud to learn, gather, and grow.

Contact TA Structures today to learn more about Circle Learning Environments and discover how we can bring your vision to life.