Design Considerations for Schools

Natural Light – Rooms should be designed such that the Natural Day Light is sufficient and there is minimum dependency on artificial lighting. Glare must be avoided. Windows for
teaching spaces should be horizontal. 

Natural Ventilation – Ventilation should be by means of permanent wall vents and windows with opening sections. Vents should contain baffles for noise, wind and rain.

Windows should be double glazed, easy to clean and maintain,and have high and low level opening sashes. 

Windows should be positioned such that sashes must be easy to operate with natural ventilation and an adequate level of safety.

Doors should be easy to Operate. The door, frame and opening mechanism to should be designed so as to protect against injury to fingers etc. A glazed viewing panel in the door from all rooms to the corridors should be provided for the benefit of small children.

Acoustic conditions in schools should facilitate clear communication of speech between teacher and student, and between students without interfering with study activities.

Floor finishes must safe, hardwearing, non-slippery, chemically resistant, durable, resistant to wear & easily cleaned.  The Health and Safety implications of the selected flooring should be considered. 

Accessibility

Design spaces to meet the specific needs of students, teachers, and administrative staff with disabilities.
Design for future flexibility, which enables spaces to be easily modified.

Aesthetics

The importance of the physical appearance of a public school should not be minimized. A school building that is attractive and responds to and is consistent with the design and context of the neighborhood. School should builds a sense of pride and ownership among students, teachers, and the community. The exterior should complement the neighborhood and reflect the community’s values. The interior should enhance the learning process.

• Provide an interior environment that is visually comfortable and stimulating by integrating natural and artificial lighting, eliminating glare, and incorporating colors that stimulate or soothe, depending on the space function.
  
• Design for diffuse, uniform daylight throughout classrooms.
  
• Avoid direct-beam sunlight.
  
• Use a daylighting analysis tool to integrate lighting systems, controls, and materials that reflect or absorb light.
  Cost-effective
  • Apply cost effective principals in the planning, design, construction, and operation of school facilities.
    
  • Select building elements on the basis of life cycle cost analysis.
    
  • Consider the recyclability of materials.
    
  • Specify materials and products that are easy to maintain.
    
  • Utilize life-cycle cost analysis tools.
    
  • Integrate day lighting systems, high-performance HVAC, energy-efficient building shell, and high-performance electric lighting.
    
• Functional
  • Cluster classrooms around common areas.
    
  • Connect spaces visually with colors and patterns, particularly for primary school children.
    
  • Provide platform spaces for gathering, sitting, and presenting and alcoves for quiet play, reflection, and reading.
    
  • Decentralize administrative spaces to encourage active leadership and maximize interaction with students.
    
  • Provide a “home base” for each student and teacher.
    
    
• Productivity Elementary schools should enhance the health and productivity of students, teachers, and staff.Secure and Safe
  • Maximize visual access to corridors and school grounds.
    
  • Increase occupants’ sense of ownership and “territoriality” by providing comfortable, not institutional, rooms and by clearly defining the school boundaries.
    
  • Control access to the building and grounds by individuals and vehicles.
    
  • Accommodate safe egress from the building in case of emergency.
    
  • Use Durable non toxic building materials.
• First and foremost, the entry should be welcoming 
• Student display spaces by the entrance can make a powerful statement about the learning mission of the school.
• Transparency is the idea of developing a school with high levels of visibility in both formal and informal areas.

Sustainable Schools

Designing sustainable, high performance green schools.
Use energy, water, and other resources efficiently.
Integrate renewable energy strategies, including passive solar design and, where appropriate, solar thermal and photovoltaics.
Integrate high-performance mechanical and lighting systems.
Conserve and protect natural areas. Provide barriers that protect children and plants and wildlife.
Incorporate materials and products derived from sustainable-yield processes and/or are manufactured locally.
Provide opportunities for safe walking and bicycling to school.

School design patterns

School design patterns.pdf

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