▷ How to design a good educational space?

To design good school architecture, it is important to understand that a well-structured educational environment must direct influence on development children and adolescents. The aesthetic and functional elements of the building are important, but it is necessary to take into account the evolution of educational methodologies and the particularities of students, teaching staff and administration, when developing an architectural project for a school.

With over 20 years of experience in the school architecture market, architect and founding partner of Decor Arquitetura, Elaine Delegredo, explains in a conversation with Casoca how the integration of biophilic design techniques, playful elements and neuroarchitecture practices influenced the creation of more stimulating environments.

In today’s article we list the main elements necessary to develop quality architectural projects in educational spaces. Happy reading!

What should school architecture look like?

If your benchmark for a school is rigid classrooms, blackboards, constant surveillance, and little freedom to explore space, know that a lot has changed in recent years. Educational environments increasingly encourage interaction, creativity and social development through connection with space.

The figure of the teacher continues to be one of the most important in the school hierarchy, but now the learning path of students is constantly influenced by different personal characteristics and elements present in the school environment. All this directly affects the development of school architecture projects.

“It is important to create environments that attract and communicate with the age group [de alunos] who frequents this place […] and implement avant-garde projects, which have existed for many years, in a current and functional way,” explains architect Elaine Delegredo.

Thus, to be more effective in an educational space, it is necessary to consider the layout of the environments, the fluidity of the spaces and the connection with the environment. Well-designed classrooms, more flexible living spaces and green spaces are some examples that help create an atmosphere conducive to learning.

Principles of Good School Design

For architects and managers seeking to develop school architecture projects aligned with current demands, some of the essential principles are:

Accessibility and inclusion

Accessibility is undoubtedly one of the cornerstones of school design. Educational spaces must be designed to welcome to all studentsrespecting their different capacities and limits. This includes ensuring that all areas, from classrooms to common areas and toilets, are easily accessible.

Creating ramps, wide doors and non-slip floors are just some of the strategies that can be adopted. Additionally, it is important to have clear signage and good visual communication so that everyone feels more comfortable and included in the school environment.

Layout and distribution of spaces

An interesting proposal for the development of schools is to promote interaction between different environments. Classrooms that can be connected to other collaborative spaces, such as labs, libraries and common areas, provide a smoother transition between environments and encourage dynamic learning.

More effectively, this distribution of space should also include areas of silence and concentration, offering students the opportunity to benefit from moments of decompression when necessary.

Ergonomics of school furniture

The choice of tables, chairs and everything related to school furniture should be based on the age group of the students and the need for comfort during study routine. Investing in ergonomic furniture helps prevent health problems, such as back pain and fatigue, and maintain attention during long class hours.

Additionally, it is important that this furniture is flexible and can be reconfigured in different ways. This makes it possible to carry out individual, collaborative and personalized work depending on the course and the dynamics of the day.

Lighting and ventilation

Well-lit environments, especially with natural light, help promote more health and well-being for students, they improve concentration and influence mood. Therefore, it is recommended to give priority to large windows, skylights and other elements that allow natural light to enter the rooms.

Adequate ventilation is also equally important as it contributes to better indoor air quality. Poorly ventilated environments can cause discomfort, reduce productivity and even spread health problems. Some effective ways to keep the air fresh and healthy are to include windows that can be easily opened and implementing cross ventilation systems.

Fun and biophilic design

Playful environments stimulate creativity and the joy of learning and make the educational experience more engaging and dynamic. Elements such as bright colors, interactive spaces and play areas encourage exploration and socialization among the students.

With biophilic design it is possible to integrate natural aspects such as sunlight, green spaces and organic materials, creating a harmonious space that stimulates attention and concentration. This presence of green in the school environment enriches the educational experience and promotes emotional and social developmentbeing a reference for students on what sustainability is.

Security measures in school architecture

Architectural projects for educational institutions must also be designed taking into account accident prevention, accessibility and safety in case of emergency. Therefore, it is important to have well-marked emergency exits, wide staircases, adequate handrails and use non-flammable building materials to create a safe environment and avoid possible problems.

“Security is not a luxury product. It is a mandatory element that can become neglected [quando não executada]”, says Elaine Delegredo.

Corners, rounded corners, window sills, guardrails, screens are some elements that contribute to the safety of students in a school environment. But it is also important to have evacuation strategies and emergency plans in place that are formed and reviewed periodically with the school community.

In Brazil, the National Education Council (CNE) and the Ministry of Education (MEC) are fundamental institutions in the regulation of any school project, since they establish the guidelines that guide the construction, renovation and maintenance of these spaces. Another important aspect is compliance with the rules of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT), which provides guidelines for safety, accessibility and environmental comfort in school buildings.