The aim of this study is to clarify the origins of class room and playground in the design history of elementary schools in the UK. It is possible to recognize these origins in the New Institution for the Formation of Character established in 1816 by Robert Owen (1771-1851) in New Lanark, Scotland. In addition to them, the realization of simultaneous education could be seen in “lectures” in the Institution. They would be influenced by Scottish universities which had developed the lecture method for producing careers of business and science. Therefore, as well as lectures, the origin of class room could ascend to lecture rooms in Scottish universities.
