At Zetaforms, we create models of factories, production lines, buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure projects. But sometimes a project is on an entirely different scale—and that’s exactly when the true value of thinking big becomes apparent.

The Hybrid Classroom—An Innovation That's Already in Use

This is the story of one such project: a functional model of a hybrid classroom, created for one of our long-standing clients— Atlantis Academy, a competitive math school.

Atlantida Academy is one of the pioneers of hybrid learning in Bulgaria. They have developed and implemented a fully functional hybrid classroom in which students attend both in person and remotely at the same time—with full participation from both groups.

The concept is simple in theory, but requires careful spatial design: ceiling-mounted cameras provide a view of the entire room; screens at the front and above display the remote students in real size; the desks and the spaces between them are equipped with mobile microphones.

The key feature of the room is its flexibility: the desks and microphones can be easily rearranged to suit the group’s configuration—rows for a class, a U-shaped layout for discussion, or islands for group work. At the back of the room, there is a relaxation and play area—with bean bags, a mini trampoline, and a table with board games.

The Challenge: How to Explain Something That Must Be Seen and Touched

Atlantis Academy conducts training sessions for teachers in which it presents its hybrid teaching model. The concept is so new and unconventional that words and slides alone aren’t enough—we need something people can examine from every angle, handle with their own hands, and immediately grasp the logic behind.

That's exactly where we came in.

We created a large-scale model of the hybrid classroom using a 3D printer. It’s not just a decorative model—it’s a functional demonstration tool.

• Magnetic base. The floor panel is covered with magnetic foil. All movable elements—desks, cabinets, microphone stands—have magnets on the bottom. During a presentation, the instructor can move the desks around and arrange them in different configurations, just like in a real classroom.
• 3D-printed parts. The desks, chairs, microphones, cameras, screens, the teacher’s desk with a laptop and monitor, and the bookcase—everything is designed and printed with such precision that you can immediately recognize each element and its function.
• Cameras and screens. The ceiling cameras are depicted on a structure above the room; the screens are positioned in front and above—just like in the actual auditorium. The Atlantis Academy logo is integrated into the front wall and the side panel.

When a teacher can take a small desk, place it in a circle with the others, and say, „This is what group work looks like in a hybrid environment,“ the students understand immediately. Neither a diagram nor a video achieves the same effect—hands-on interaction with the model engages the brain in a completely different way.

Why a functional prototype works better than any presentation

When a teacher can take a small desk, place it in a circle with the others, and say, „This is what group work looks like in a hybrid environment,“ the students understand immediately. Neither a diagram nor a video achieves the same effect—hands-on interaction with the model engages the brain in a completely different way.

The model is compact, easy to transport, and can be used repeatedly—in various training sessions, in different rooms, and in front of different audiences. The magnetic system ensures that the demonstration looks just as convincing every time.

Beyond the factories and landscapes

For us at Zetaforms, this project is an example of something we love: finding unconventional uses for the tools and skills we work with every day. Mockups aren’t just for architects and manufacturing engineers—they’re a powerful communication tool wherever a complex idea needs to be made visible and tangible.

If you have a concept, process, or space that you want to present in a memorable way—talking to us is a good place to start.

www.zetaforms.com

Project: A functional demonstration model of a hybrid classroom

Client: Atlantis Academy

Technology: 3D printing, magnetic system

Appendix: Teacher Training