Community Schools: Designing for sustainability, wellbeing and inclusion

Schools can empower communities by connecting people better with their places, but they are not often perceived as critical infrastructure. Community Schools reconsiders what is required from physical school environments and advocates designing differently to meet the new social, environmental, and economic challenges. This book explores the potential for architects to deliver design that supports healthy lifestyles and promotes wellbeing, featuring over 12 international case studies and practical guidance and learning points.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2023
Publisher: RIBA Publishing

Schools have the incredible potential to empower communities by fostering stronger connections between people and their local surroundings. However, how can these benefits be effectively incorporated into a design brief for schools? As multifaceted institutions, schools serve as educational hubs, nurturing young minds and shaping future generations. They also function as workplaces for dedicated staff members and valuable civic assets that contribute to the well-being of the broader community. Surprisingly, schools are often overlooked as critical infrastructure.

Community Schools takes a fresh perspective on what is needed from physical school environments, drawing upon insights gathered from the sector over the past two decades. It advocates for a paradigm shift in school design, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that not only support academic learning but also promote healthy lifestyles and foster overall well-being. To achieve this, the book encourages architects to think differently about the form and impact of school buildings, employing innovative approaches that prioritize social connections, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Through a comprehensive exploration of key themes such as wellbeing, connectivity, inclusion, indicators, and evaluation, Community Schools provides practical guidance and valuable learning points for architects and educators alike. It showcases over 12 international case studies from renowned practices, including Architype, Argyll + Bute, Bogle Architects, DRMM, Revaerk, Scott Brownrigg, and XDGA. These case studies showcase innovative designs that integrate community needs into school architecture, creating open, welcoming, and inclusive spaces that foster social connections and promote a sense of belonging.

In conclusion, Community Schools offers a transformative design brief for schools that aims to empower communities by fostering stronger connections between people and their local surroundings. By reconsidering the role of schools as community-wide amenities, architects can deliver design solutions that support healthy lifestyles, promote wellbeing, and create inclusive learning environments. This book serves as a valuable resource for architects, educators, policymakers, and community members who are committed to building better schools and creating stronger, more resilient communities.

Weight: 868g
Dimension: 217 x 259 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914124372