Schools and Kindergartens: A Design Manual

The importance of education in a global economy is undisputed, and in the wake of international assessment studies schools and kindergartens have become the focus of considerable public interest. As a new generation of educational environments are designed and built, this Design Manual helps architects to grasp the underlying educational theories and how they can be realized in built form, so that the building fulfils its role as a 3-dimensional curriculum plan.

Over 80 international case studies covering all school types are examined and explained in the context of varying national and cultural education approaches. Among the key themes analyzed are the impact of modern communication technology, acoustic and lighting design, sustainability, internal circulation and outdoor spaces, renovation and adaptation to changing requirements.

The importance of education in a global economy is undisputed, and in the wake of international assessment studies schools and kindergartens have become the focus of considerable public interest. As a new generation of educational environments are designed and built, this Design Manual helps architects to grasp the underlying educational theories and how they can be realized in built form, so that the building fulfils its role as a 3-dimensional curriculum plan.

Over 80 international case studies covering all school types are examined and explained in the context of varying national and cultural education approaches. Among the key themes analyzed are the impact of modern communication technology, acoustic and lighting design, sustainability, internal circulation and outdoor spaces, renovation and adaptation to changing requirements.

The author is a practicing architect and a Research Fellow at the School of Architecture, University of Sheffield. He is a consultant to organizations involved in the design of schools and kindergartens, including the UK Government‘ s "Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment".