Designers look at schools through students’ eyes to create learning environments that are engaging
One of the first tasks associated with designing new schools is the development of “Educational Specifications” (“Ed Specs”). We bring together teachers, staff, parents, and community members to determine the programs and spaces necessary to provide education to an age group of the community’s students. These Ed Specs are used to design buildings that support the district’s educational program.
Both the elementary and middle school Ed Specs Committees are also incorporating student input to design schools that students will find to be welcoming, engaging, and conducive to learning. Kevin Flanagan, of NAC Architecture, asked “‘What will the students do during the day?’ ‘Do they see specialists?’ ‘When they come to school, what starts to engage them in ways they can respond well?’ ‘What might distract them?’”
Says Flanagan, “We’re talking about kids being kids. Some just put their heads underneath a downspout. When we are designing a school, we think how the building itself can provide learning opportunities. For instance, if water in the downspout goes into a rock bed, kids can watch it to see where the water goes and what happens to it.”
John Weekes of Dull Olson Weekes Architects met with Valley View and Centennial students to get their input for the Middle School Ed Specs process. He asked, “‘What do you like about your school?’ ‘What is your favorite subject, and why?’ ‘What is your favorite place to learn?’” He gained an appreciation for the diversity of student interests, and learned that they want to be inspired.
Middle school students are social and curious, and they like to learn in places with art and music, couches, vegetation, and other outdoor elements.
Dick Withycombe, who facilitated the Ed Specs process, says, “The committee did a very good job in thinking of these schools as places for kids as far out as people can imagine, 40-50 years.”
Riverview Principal Tammy Jones recalls, “When we evaluated the two elementary design concepts, we asked ‘What would be exciting for a child entering those spaces?’ ‘What would you be curious about?’” Ginny Schilaty, Machias Principal, adds, “A lot of thought has gone into who we are and what design fits our community.”
The Ed Specs process will include another opportunity to bring students’ perspectives into the process. Flanagan will visit with students at the elementary schools to describe their new buildings and walk them through “a day in their life” in the new school. The two-story buildings will be a big change for our students. “A preview builds excitement,” says Flanagan. “They are always interested in play areas and the gym.”