The ‘Designing for Learning’ series of articles has been designed as a resource and guide for educators undertaking or wishing to undertake capital works projects on their campus. Our aim is to provide a base understanding of the intersection between pedagogy and architecture - bridging the gap between architects, educators, and community stakeholders. These are not scholarly articles but we do endeavour to reference relevant experts in this field. It is written by Audrey Whisker, an architect based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with extensive experience working with the Department of Education, Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) and as registered architects on the Construction Supplier Register (CSR).
This article is most useful in the Schematic Design Stage.
School building design is a key factor in creating a functional and effective learning environment for students. A well-designed school building can improve student performance, reduce distractions, and create a sense of community and belonging. On the other hand, a poorly designed school can hinder learning and create a negative atmosphere for students.
One key aspect of school building design is ensuring that the layout is functional and efficient. This includes placing classrooms, offices, and other facilities in logical locations, as well as creating clear and easy-to-follow paths for students and staff. The layout should also consider the needs of students with disabilities, ensuring that they have access to all areas of the building.
Another crucial factor in school building design is the use of natural light and ventilation. Natural light has been shown to improve student performance and well-being, so incorporating large windows and skylights into the design can be beneficial. Ventilation is also important, as it helps to regulate the temperature and air quality within the building.
Technology is another important consideration in modern school building design. Many schools are now incorporating technology into the classroom, so it’s important to ensure that the building has the necessary infrastructure to support this. This includes things like high-speed internet and electrical outlets in every classroom.
Safety is another key aspect of school building design. This includes both physical safety measures, such as fire exits and sprinkler systems, as well as security measures to prevent unauthorised access to the building.
Incorporating sustainability into school building design is also becoming increasingly important. This can include things like using energy-efficient materials and appliances and incorporating green spaces into the design. Not only does this help to reduce the school’s carbon footprint, but it can also provide a positive learning environment for students.
Overall, designing a school building requires careful consideration of a wide range of factors, from layout and natural light to technology and sustainability. By taking all these things into account, schools can create an effective and welcoming learning environment for their students.
Throughout history, the design of school buildings has evolved significantly. From ancient Greek academies to 21st century learning neighbourhoods, the way in which students learn and interact with their environment has shaped the design of these buildings. Here is a brief overview of some of the most influential historical school building designs.
Ancient Greek Academies: The earliest known school building was the Academy in ancient Greece, founded by Plato in 387 BC. These academies were designed as open-air spaces, with rows of benches and a central platform where teachers could stand to lecture. The focus was on oral tradition and discussion, rather than written materials.
Medieval Monasteries: During the Middle Ages, education was largely confined to religious institutions, such as monasteries. These buildings were designed to accommodate both living quarters for the monks and classrooms for teaching. They were typically constructed with large, open spaces for the monks to sleep in, as well as smaller classrooms for teaching and study.
Renaissance Universities: As education became more widely available in the Renaissance, universities began to emerge. These buildings were designed to be grand and impressive, with large lecture halls, libraries, and classrooms. Many of these universities, such as the University of Bologna in Italy, are still in operation today and have maintained their original architectural style.
Victorian Public Schools: In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution led to a growth in public education and the construction of many new school buildings. These buildings were typically designed in the Victorian style, with red brick exteriors and large windows to let in natural light. The classrooms were spacious and well-ventilated, with high ceilings and large windows to allow for plenty of natural light. The teaching was still very teacher-focussed and relied heavily on didactic instruction and rote learning.
Modern High Schools: In the 20th century, school building design became more functional and practical. High schools were designed with a focus on efficiency, with classrooms arranged in a linear fashion and connected by corridors. These buildings often had multiple floors and were designed to accommodate a large number of students.
Overall, the design of school buildings has evolved significantly over the centuries. From ancient Greek academies to modern-day high schools, the way in which students learn and interact with their environment has shaped the design of these buildings. Each period has contributed its own unique style and innovations to the design of educational spaces.