Since the onset of COVID-19, educational facilities have been at the forefront of news cycles, given the impact of the pandemic on the education and well-being of children.
The design features of new builds in this space have dovetailed with the increased community awareness of the disruption COVID-19 has caused to both the health and educational needs of children.
The leading features of school design are now centred on three key criteria:
- Natural light
- Acoustics
- Sustainable materials
Natural light
Research studies have demonstrated an increase in the rate of learning outcomes when students are subjected to abundant natural light.
Daylight adds a sense of harmony with both nature and time to learning spaces, compared to darkened rooms with inadequate exposure to the elements.
The impact of natural light adds a sense of calm and sensory peace in an environment where learning is at a premium.
Acoustic Control
Multiple studies have shown that the relationship between enhanced acoustics and well-being in all learning environments contributes significantly to student well-being and learning capacity. This includes schools, where the stress reaction of both teacher's and children’s hearts has been traced directly to sound levels.
Research has shown that by advancing schoolroom acoustics, the teachers’ voices are put under much less strain, blood pressure is lowered, and children respond more positively to learning.
Creating a secure ecosystem where students feel restful and want to learn contributes to the overall learning ability of the students and reduces stress on the teaching staff.
The installation of timber acoustic panelling systems in these spaces adds to the sensory environment, taking into account the texture and ’colour’ of wood along with the acoustic manipulation and becomes part of a total multi-sensory feel.
Sustainable materials
Timber is at the nucleus of our natural environment and has featured prominently in new school designs in recent years.
Timber adds a tactile beauty, buoyancy, and warmth, and has been demonstrated to stimulate peace, and work, and enable interaction and collaboration in the school environs.
Conceivably the most recognisable of organic construction materials, its use in learning centres is nowadays almost a given, combined with its sustainable composition, enhancing the educational experiences of both teachers and students alike.
A study of these trends demonstrates that when innovative technology is powered by systematic research and all merges with sustainable building product systems and natural light, the health and well-being of both students and educators are improved.
Conclusion
The integration of natural light, acoustic control, and sustainable materials like timber is transforming school design in the post-COVID era. These elements, powered by systematic research and innovative technology, create educational environments that enhance students' and educators' health and well-being. By prioritising these design features, schools can provide a holistic and supportive learning experience that meets the evolving needs of the educational community.
