From classrooms and study areas to social and recreational spaces, thoughtful interior design enhances both student engagement and wellbeing.
By considering key elements like functionality, wellbeing, accessibility and technology, you can create adaptable and practical spaces that promote learning and collaboration, and help future generations thrive by delivering an enjoyable and holistic education experience.
10 education design and build principles
Whether you’re a primary school, secondary school or higher education facility, your space will need to cater for a diverse range of individuals, including students, teachers and visitors. It will also need to accommodate a variety of learning styles and be bespoke to your induvial curriculum requirements, as well as provide an environment where your students feel safe and where their wellbeing is supported.
There’s a lot to think about. If you have an education redesign lor refurbishment project in the pipeline but are unsure of where to start, here’s 10 things you should be considering:
Accommodating different learning styles
Effective education interior design will provide spaces which facilitate different ways of learning including individual, group, collaorative, and experiential learning, both in and outside of the traditional classroom environment.
Everybody learns in different ways, so your space should include informal study areas where students can collaborate, like common rooms and bookable group collaboration rooms. You should also offer quiet zones where students can learn independently in a focused environment.
Accessibility and inclusivity
Prioritise inclusivity throughout your design and build process to ensure your facility provides an accessible and comfortable experience for all students, staff and visitors, where they feel safe, valued and empowered.
Whether in the classroom as they move around the building, every detail needs to be carefully considered in order to deliver an experience which meets their needs and helps them to be their best. Clear signage, wheelchair access, obstruction-free corridors and walkways, appropriate signage and sensory-friendly spaces, are just some of the features of a learning environment which is inclusive of all.
Technology and connectivity
Seamless integration of the latest tech and AV throughout your school, college or university environment is crucial in enhancing the learning experience, supporting modern teaching methods, and fostering student engagement and collaboration.
Ensuring classrooms are equipped with technology for both in-person and remote learning, with features such as smartboards, interactive displays, video conferencing systems, is crucial. High-speed wi-fi throughout your facility is also vital, as well as the inclusion of sufficient charging points and docking stations for students and teachers to charge laptops and tablets. This will support agile learning, allowing students to study wherever they are – a common design feature similar to that found in most modern workplaces.
Comfort
It goes without saying that being comfortable is key to productive learning, and in an education environment this can be achieved in a number of ways. Firstly ensuring seating and desks are high-quality, adjustable and support good posture is essential to avoid discomfort which will inevitably lead to distraction.
What’s more, education spaces can be noisy places as students move around the building in-between lessons and socialise during breaks. Incorporating features with high acoustic properties, including furniture, carpets, curtains, panelling and ceiling tiles will help to minimise the travel of sound throughout the space, supporting comfort and productivity. Adjustable lighting and temperature, and HVAC systems to improve ventilation, are also important elements to consider.
Flexibility and adaptability
While there is still very much the need for traditional classroom environments in the majority of education facilities, the days of fixed settings are generally a thing of the past.
Flexible designs which allow spaces to be reconfigured for various teaching methods are increasingly being used to optimise learning experiences. The use of movable walls and panels, flexible furniture and desks/tables, means you can adapt and repurpose spaces to suit different class sizes and support a range of functions. What’s more, multi-functional spaces, such as a library that doubles as a meeting space, or a lecture theatre that can accommodate events, will provide you with even more flexibility.
The use of colour
The use of colour in your interior design plays an important role in shaping how students behave and can impact learning. Colours proven to promote feelings of calm and wisdom, such as blues and greens, should be considered for study areas to encourage productivity and focus. While more warm and vibrant colours, like reds, oranges and yellows, are shown to evoke feelings of happiness, energy, and passion, so can be used effectively to create exciting and inspiring collaboration and social spaces. You can also use colour cleverly to define zones, through the use of carpets, feature walls, furniture and ceiling panels.
Layout
Carefully considered layout including the use of zones and clear wayfinding will make your building easier to navigate for everyone, alleviating stress and providing a more enjoyable learning and teaching experience. In addition, creating the feeling of space, through open-plan layouts, high ceilings and maximising natural light, is proven to increase focus and engagement, and will also improve communication and collaboration among your students and teachers.
Natural light and biophilic design
Research shows that exposure to natural elements can reduce stress, improve focus and boost cognitive function, which is particularly beneficial in educational settings. By integrating biophilic design elements, such as indoor plants, views of nature, organic materials and access to outdoor learning and recreational spaces, you can not only enhance your students’ wellbeing but inspire creativity and improve academic performance.
Similarly, research also suggests that people perform better when exposed to natural light, as opposed to bright, artificially lighting. The use of skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows and internal glazing instead of walls or partitions can all help you create a light and airy environment.
Social and recreational spaces
Areas to relax and socialise are key components of education settings, and will help support wellbeing and also create a sense of community and identity among students and teachers. As well as bright and comfortable breakout and dining areas, you should provide spaces which specifically support wellbeing such as meditation, sensory and multi-faith rooms.
Sustainability
Providing a stimulating and inspiring learning environment which also protects the planet is important. The use of recycled or recyclable products, sustainable materials and energy efficient lighting and HVAC systems, are just some of the ways you can create an environmentally responsible space. You could also consider using renewable energy sources like solar panels. Working with an education design and build specialist can help you make informed decisions, which balance sustainability with cost and quality, based on what’s important to you.
Where to start?
Understanding how to create effective spaces for students is a complex process and not a one-size-fits-all approach. Student demographic, curriculum, location/building and budget all need to be considered in order to design a space which blends organisational requirements with creativity, to deliver a learning environment which inspires and engages both students and teachers.
With years of experience in the industry, our team of education design and build specialists have the knowledge, creativity and passion to transform learning environments from initial ideas into outstanding spaces that empower the next generation to be the best they can be.
If you’re looking for guidance on creating the perfect education space – whether you’re upgrading existing facilities or embarking on a new project – we’d love to help. Simply get in touch with our friendly team today.
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