8 Innovative School Design Tips to Amplify Learning Experiences
Written By Monique Lugo-López
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Monique Lugo-López is a LEED Green Associate and the President & Chief Operating Officer at Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón.
THE POSITIVE EFFECT THAT A WELL-EXECUTED SCHOOL DESIGN HAS ON EDUCATION CANNOT BE OVERSTATED.
Designing schools with the user experience in mind can significantly enhance the learning experience by fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in students.
The impact of school design extends beyond the physical layout of classrooms and buildings. It encompasses various other elements such as incorporating natural elements, providing a connection to the outdoors, intentional color selection, adaptable furniture arrangements, and integrating technology. The cohesive integration of these elements significantly contributes to creating an environment conducive to learning.
These tips will help create and design an engaging place that inspires students, empowers educators, and involves the community:
1. CREATE AN IMMERSIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
An innovative approach to school design is to create an immersive learning environment through experience design. Experience design focuses on the quality of the emotional response of the end-user. It involves an intimate understanding of the students and teachers through an iterative inside-out design process that translates the needs and preferences of the users into customized, functional, and inspiring designs.
A well-executed experience design strategy begins with a deep understanding of the people who will use the space. This includes understanding the school's educational philosophy, assessing the needs of its students and teachers, and challenging pre-existing ideas in educational design. By empathizing with the users and testing different ideas, designers can come up with a specific and relevant school design solution that is focused on positive experiences.
2. CO-DESIGN
Co-design is a dynamic and collaborative process that engages all key stakeholders - students, teachers, and others - in the design process and fosters a user-centric approach that prioritizes needs, preferences, and comfort. This participatory approach values the diversity of perspectives and results in a design solution that is comprehensive and effective. It cultivates ownership and boosts engagement.
Additionally, the continuous feedback co-design process facilitates design iterations that aim for flexibility and adaptability. It ensures that the resulting design of learning spaces is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally practical, meaningful, and aligned with the evolving needs of the learning community.
3. DESIGN FLEXIBLE LEARNING SPACES
Creating flexible learning spaces can significantly enhance the learning experience. Flexible spaces can be easily reconfigured to accommodate different learning styles and activities and can range from quiet, individual study areas to collaborative spaces for group work.
As we continue to embrace digitalization, flexible learning spaces integrate technology, making learning interactive and dynamic. Furthermore, flexible learning spaces support students in leading their personal learning process where teachers become facilitators that individually engage with students and provide personalized attention.
4. INCORPORATE NATURAL ELEMENTS
Incorporating natural elements and providing a connection to the outdoors has been proven to contribute to a positive school environment. Research shows that exposure to nature can improve students' mental health, boost their focus, and enhance their creativity.
Some strategies to incorporate natural elements include integrating indoor plants in the design, incorporating outdoor classrooms into the program, and designing spaces that afford natural light and ample views of the outdoors. This approach aligns with sustainability principles and offers a balanced, healthier learning environment for students and teachers.
5. INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY
Technology integration is another crucial aspect of innovative school design. This could involve creating tech-enhanced classrooms with interactive whiteboards and tablets, designing digital learning spaces, or incorporating virtual reality into the curriculum.
Additionally, digital platforms can allow students to work together on projects remotely, developing their teamwork skills and exposing them to different perspectives. They can also provide a convenient forum that facilitates teacher-student and parent-teacher communication.
All technological integration should be inclusive. Not all students have the same access to technology at home, so schools must ensure that all students have equal opportunities to use and benefit from the technology provided at school.
6. DESIGN WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND
The focus on sustainability is key in school design. By using energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials as well as by reducing water consumption and incorporating green spaces into design, schools reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy costs and contribute to a healthier learning environment.
By incorporating sustainability into the design of learning environments, schools cash in on the learning lesson opportunity and lead by example in creating awareness of the environmental impact of buildings.
7. BE INTENTIONAL WITH COLOR SELECTION
When designing a school, it's essential to consider your color choices carefully. This is because color influences the mood, attention, and productivity of the people using the space.
Light colors like blue and green are ideal for study areas because they create a calming and focused environment. Bright colors like red and yellow stimulate creativity and energy, which are perfect for creative environments or physical activity rooms. Neutral shades provide a balanced and distraction-free backdrop.
Remember, the goal is to create an environment that supports learning, so choose colors that boost concentration and overall user comfort.
8. INCLUDE ADAPTABLE FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS
How furniture is arranged in an educational space has a significant impact on the learning environment. Adaptable furniture arrangements enhance the overall learning experience by providing users flexibility while supporting interaction and communication. Adaptable furniture arrangements allow classrooms to be arranged in a variety of ways such as traditional rows for focused work, clusters for group activities, or circles for discussions, to cater to the particular needs of the individual or task at hand.
Also, consider ergonomics in furniture selection to promote good posture and overall comfort. This not only ensures the physical well-being of students and teachers but also contributes to their cognitive development. Remember, the goal is flexibility and adaptability to different learning situations.
THE POWER OF GOOD DESIGN IN CREATING EFFECTIVE LEARNING SPACES
Thoughtful design in creating effective learning experiences provides many benefits for users and stakeholders. It can develop community, inspire and engage students, empower teachers, and foster a love of learning. A well-designed school is a powerful tool that can positively complement the educational experience. By implementing these tips in school design, you can create an enriching and innovative educational environment that supports learners' diverse needs and preferences while shaping their educational experience and setting them up for success in the future.