​Designing the future of school planning for an innovative and enhanced Educational Experience
The field of school planning is gradually shifting from conventional linear classrooms to collaborative spaces encouraging community learning. From open-concept classrooms and flexible learning spaces to sustainable and eco-friendly designs, school architecture is undergoing a transformation. Modern designs can create a visually appealing environment which enable collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking among students.
By merging aesthetics with functionality, we, at Atelier ARBO, are reimagining traditional educational spaces and are creating dynamic environments. We would like to share some of our main design principles and philosophies in terms of school design and planning.
By merging aesthetics with functionality, we, at Atelier ARBO, are reimagining traditional educational spaces and are creating dynamic environments. We would like to share some of our main design principles and philosophies in terms of school design and planning.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY IN SCHOOL ARCHITECTURE
The architectural style and the language of design plays a vital role in creating an optimal learning environment. Research has shown that well-designed schools can improve academic performance, student behavior, and overall well-being.
Keeping this in mind, we focus on creating a symbiotic relationship between classrooms and common areas which can enhance teacher-student interaction, facilitate effective teaching practices, and create a sense of belonging within the school community.
Key design strategies which we strive to follow include:
The architectural style and the language of design plays a vital role in creating an optimal learning environment. Research has shown that well-designed schools can improve academic performance, student behavior, and overall well-being.
Keeping this in mind, we focus on creating a symbiotic relationship between classrooms and common areas which can enhance teacher-student interaction, facilitate effective teaching practices, and create a sense of belonging within the school community.
Key design strategies which we strive to follow include:
- Equal proportions of open and closed spaces: The incorporation of open spaces becomes important to create semi-formal and informal learning areas which encourage hands-on learning activities and enhanced practical skills. We focus on the seamless segregation of a school into different zones with small courtyards interspersed uniformly amidst classrooms.
- Adequate ventilation: According to the National Building Code (NBC), one-sixth of the floor area of an enclosed space should be covered by windows and other openings. The intake of natural daylight and a visual exposure to the outside world becomes highly essential for the concentrated learning and overall well-being of students. We focus on incorporating large windows and skylights in classrooms to provide the controlled amount of necessary sunlight in the learning space.
- Apt selection of materials: Materials need to be selected as per the comfort and requirement of the particular space. For example, using wooden hand rails instead on steel on staircases can provide better grip and support to students. Glossy, synthetic tiles can be replaced with matte textured tiles for the flooring to avoid slipping incidents. We apply a conscious and analytical thought process behind the selection of every material used on site.
- Open grounds for sports: Outdoor sports like football, basketball, badminton, etc. are meant to be played and practiced outside on grounds open to sky. Physical growth and improved stamina of students can be achieved only when they are exposed to rigorous physical activities under the sun. Restricting such activities to indoor enclosed spaces stunts the growth and affects the immunity improvisation of students. Strategical planning of open grounds in the campus is always an important point of consideration in our design approach.
- Considering human-scale proportions: High-rise institutions and schools unconsciously create a feeling of intimidation and alarm in the minds of children. A school should create a welcoming ambience for children, encouraging their innate desire for learning. Low-rise schools with just 3 to 4 floors with a harmonious balance between closed spaces and open courtyards exude a feeling of safety and openness. Our planning approach focuses on a smooth and continuous flow of classrooms, semi-open, and open spaces blending seamlessly with each other.
EVOLUTION OF SCHOOL ARCHITECTURE OVER THE YEARS
School architecture has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the changing needs and priorities of the educational system. In the past, schools were designed with a focus on discipline, order, and conformity. However, as our understanding of education has evolved, so has the design of educational spaces.
The shift towards student-centered learning has paved the way for more flexible and open-concept classrooms. Moving past the conventional classrooms with rows of desks facing the front of the room, we embrace collaborative learning with open plan layouts and multi-functional interactive zones and niches. Intriguing facilities in our design program include research libraries, reading corners, meditation corners, friendship pockets, and performance spaces to name a few.
School architecture has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the changing needs and priorities of the educational system. In the past, schools were designed with a focus on discipline, order, and conformity. However, as our understanding of education has evolved, so has the design of educational spaces.
The shift towards student-centered learning has paved the way for more flexible and open-concept classrooms. Moving past the conventional classrooms with rows of desks facing the front of the room, we embrace collaborative learning with open plan layouts and multi-functional interactive zones and niches. Intriguing facilities in our design program include research libraries, reading corners, meditation corners, friendship pockets, and performance spaces to name a few.
INCORPORATING TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOL DESIGN
Although the importance of practical learning through conventional methods like reading, discussing, analyzing, and implementing will always remain as the ideal way of studying, the integration of technology in the process of teaching has proved to be essential for imparting knowledge in an enhanced manner. Schools incorporate features such as advanced writing systems, interactive whiteboards, and multimedia projectors into their classrooms to uplift teaching methods and explain concepts better.
High-speed internet connectivity is crucial for supporting digital learning initiatives, and schools can invest in robust network infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted access to online resources.
Although the importance of practical learning through conventional methods like reading, discussing, analyzing, and implementing will always remain as the ideal way of studying, the integration of technology in the process of teaching has proved to be essential for imparting knowledge in an enhanced manner. Schools incorporate features such as advanced writing systems, interactive whiteboards, and multimedia projectors into their classrooms to uplift teaching methods and explain concepts better.
High-speed internet connectivity is crucial for supporting digital learning initiatives, and schools can invest in robust network infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted access to online resources.
SUSTAINABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Sustainability and eco-friendliness are now the default choice while designing a school. More people are increasingly adopting green building practices to reduce their environmental impact and create healthier learning environments.
Green building features include energy-efficient lighting systems, solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural ventilation. These features not only help reduce energy consumption but also create a more comfortable and healthy learning environment for students and teachers.
In addition to energy-efficient designs, schools are also incorporating sustainable materials into their construction. This includes the use of recycled and locally sourced materials, as well as non-toxic paints and finishes. By prioritizing sustainability in school architecture, institutions are teaching students about the importance of environmental stewardship.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness are now the default choice while designing a school. More people are increasingly adopting green building practices to reduce their environmental impact and create healthier learning environments.
Green building features include energy-efficient lighting systems, solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural ventilation. These features not only help reduce energy consumption but also create a more comfortable and healthy learning environment for students and teachers.
In addition to energy-efficient designs, schools are also incorporating sustainable materials into their construction. This includes the use of recycled and locally sourced materials, as well as non-toxic paints and finishes. By prioritizing sustainability in school architecture, institutions are teaching students about the importance of environmental stewardship.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING SPACES FOR COLLABORATIVE EDUCATION
Flexible learning spaces are becoming increasingly popular, allowing classrooms to be easily reconfigured to meet the needs of different teaching styles and activities.
These spaces often feature movable furniture, such as modular desks and chairs, as well as movable partitions that can be used to create smaller breakout areas. By providing students with the flexibility to rearrange their learning environment, schools are promoting active learning and fostering creativity.
Flexible learning spaces also encourage collaboration between teachers and students. Instead of the traditional teacher-centered approach, these spaces facilitate student-led discussions and group work. By creating a more interactive and dynamic learning environment, schools are preparing students for the collaborative nature of the modern workforce.
Flexible learning spaces are becoming increasingly popular, allowing classrooms to be easily reconfigured to meet the needs of different teaching styles and activities.
These spaces often feature movable furniture, such as modular desks and chairs, as well as movable partitions that can be used to create smaller breakout areas. By providing students with the flexibility to rearrange their learning environment, schools are promoting active learning and fostering creativity.
Flexible learning spaces also encourage collaboration between teachers and students. Instead of the traditional teacher-centered approach, these spaces facilitate student-led discussions and group work. By creating a more interactive and dynamic learning environment, schools are preparing students for the collaborative nature of the modern workforce.
INCORPORATING OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Outdoor learning environments are gaining recognition for their positive impact on students’ well-being and academic performance. Schools are incorporating outdoor spaces into their architectural plans to provide students with opportunities for experiential learning and connection with nature.
Outdoor classrooms, gardens, and play areas are becoming common features. These spaces allow students to engage in hands-on learning activities, explore the natural world, and develop a strong relationship towards the environment.
Research has shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance creativity. By incorporating outdoor learning environments, schools are creating spaces that support the holistic development of students.
Outdoor learning environments are gaining recognition for their positive impact on students’ well-being and academic performance. Schools are incorporating outdoor spaces into their architectural plans to provide students with opportunities for experiential learning and connection with nature.
Outdoor classrooms, gardens, and play areas are becoming common features. These spaces allow students to engage in hands-on learning activities, explore the natural world, and develop a strong relationship towards the environment.
Research has shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance creativity. By incorporating outdoor learning environments, schools are creating spaces that support the holistic development of students.
SAFETY AND SECURITY IN SCHOOL DESIGN
Schools can implement design features that prioritize the well-being of students and staff, while also providing a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Secure entry systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency response protocols are standard features in modern school designs. Schools should also incorporate natural surveillance techniques, such as strategically placed windows and clear sightlines, to enhance safety on campus.
In addition to physical safety, schools need to prioritize mental health and well-being. Design features that promote natural light, access to green spaces, and quiet areas for reflection are becoming more common. By creating a supportive and nurturing environment, schools are fostering the overall well-being of students and staff.
Schools can implement design features that prioritize the well-being of students and staff, while also providing a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Secure entry systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency response protocols are standard features in modern school designs. Schools should also incorporate natural surveillance techniques, such as strategically placed windows and clear sightlines, to enhance safety on campus.
In addition to physical safety, schools need to prioritize mental health and well-being. Design features that promote natural light, access to green spaces, and quiet areas for reflection are becoming more common. By creating a supportive and nurturing environment, schools are fostering the overall well-being of students and staff.
CASE STUDIES OF INNOVATIVE SCHOOL ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS
To better understand the impact of innovative school architecture, let's explore some case studies of notable projects around the world:
1. The Green School in Bali, Indonesia: This school is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental education. The campus features bamboo structures, solar panels, and organic gardens, creating a harmonious blend of nature and education.
2. The Nanyang Primary School in Singapore: This school is built around the concept of outdoor learning. The campus includes rooftop gardens, outdoor classrooms, and nature trails, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning and connection with the environment.
These case studies highlight the diverse approaches to innovative school architecture and demonstrate the positive impact it can have on student learning and development.
To better understand the impact of innovative school architecture, let's explore some case studies of notable projects around the world:
1. The Green School in Bali, Indonesia: This school is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental education. The campus features bamboo structures, solar panels, and organic gardens, creating a harmonious blend of nature and education.
2. The Nanyang Primary School in Singapore: This school is built around the concept of outdoor learning. The campus includes rooftop gardens, outdoor classrooms, and nature trails, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning and connection with the environment.
These case studies highlight the diverse approaches to innovative school architecture and demonstrate the positive impact it can have on student learning and development.
CONCLUSION
Our professional and personal experience has exposed us to the immense potential of creating well-planned conscious school design which can reshape the foundational principles of teaching and learning. An enhanced learning environment plays an important role in the physical, mental, social, emotional, and behavioral growth of a child.
We strive to create learning spaces which can preserve and promote the curiosity and creativity that fills the minds of young children, enabling them to build a strong and successful future for themselves.
Our professional and personal experience has exposed us to the immense potential of creating well-planned conscious school design which can reshape the foundational principles of teaching and learning. An enhanced learning environment plays an important role in the physical, mental, social, emotional, and behavioral growth of a child.
We strive to create learning spaces which can preserve and promote the curiosity and creativity that fills the minds of young children, enabling them to build a strong and successful future for themselves.