School buildings obsolete

You and I know it, but here's a study that proves it!
School buildings are obsolete.
The study, done by the British Educational Suppliers Association and the British Council for School Environments, calls for better designs.

And it said pupils should be actively involved in the planning process.

The study said schools in the future would need to have radically different designs.

This included more spaces where children could learn through computer technology and more "social spaces" in schools where pupils could follow independent study in a less formal environment.

Here's a line from the report that hurts: "We will be left with school buildings which are not fit for purpose and may be obsolete even before they are occupied."  Got any ideas on how to fix this mess?

Comments

[Harold Jarche]

Start here:

http://www.designshare.com/

[Paul Hillsdon]

You know, my area is currently facing such a problem. Many districts are seeing a fall in the number of students, and are, as such, having to close down schools, despite the cry of parents. Obviously, it makes sense, that if there aren't enough students to support a school, it should be closed. Some parents have suggested the schools become community or daycare centres.

The problem I see here is that many schools that were built 30-50 years ago were specifically made to be "schools" and they aren't all that easily transformed into something different. Thus, in the future, it would make sense to build more multi-purpose, flexible buildings, that can be adjusted for use if necessary. Maybe also incorporate more community use, or perhaps continuing ed.

[wolfy]

Whatever happened to the old-fashioned schoolhouses? Those were better. I see a growth in home-schooling because a more home-like environment works best.

[Terry Newman]

Since schools are usually built in the middle of residential areas, they can be converted to housing, mixed use areas, parks. Its the perfect solution.

[Thom Lowther]

Many of the older school building are being converted into housing and mixed use residential and commercial buildings as Terry mentioned. Unfortunately, that does not address the future buildings. Maybe using the Phoenix University model, rent smaller commercial spaces and covert them for school common spaces and classrooms. This could work as well as the many of the module "trailers" that we now use in some areas. It would mean a whole new approach for administration.

[Scott Gantt]

Having just witnessed the failing of a local school bond, I am not convinced that bricks and mortar or building design hold our answers as much as how we incorporate technology into the classroom. Distance learning / video conferencing / smart boards and other advancements will allow students freedom to learn just as much outside a traditional classroom as in one.