Understanding the relationship between innovative learning spaces and teachers' pedagogical and social practices is essential given the increasing investment in innovative learning spaces worldwide. This study examined the socio-spatial practices of a group of teachers at a secondary school in an innovative learning space. Interview responses from…

Australia has been the site of significant school facility design innovation during the past decade. This innovation was showcased in 2013 in a report released by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) titled "Innovative Learning Environments, Educational Research and Innovation." It featured case studies of 40…

When new learning environments are built, numerous variables are taken into consideration. For example, school systems consider the instructional needs of the students they serve, enrollment, and whether to replace or remodel an old building. The concept of "going green" encourages school system planners to consider the natural…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

Topics of economical designing and planning are examined in both general and specific terms. Diagrams and photographs illustrate general conditions and principles while the text outlines criteria and provides specific suggestion. Subjects covered include--(1) building design fundamentals, (2) cost comparisons, (3) efficient design, (4) basic plan…

Problems of sound insulation and control particularly in areas where there is a high level in exterior noise conditions, resulted in this study to determine approaches to sound control in school construction. After a general discussion of noise problems in school districts and teaching situations, two examples of sound control solutions are…

Four schools were visited in an attempt to assess the merits of combining several classrooms in a large space as a method of school construction. Interviews with students and teachers as well as personal impressions form the basis for evaluation. Satisfactory results were found for schools-without-walls, school carpeting, acoustic control, team…

The first evaluative study is a survey of user -- student and teacher -- response to the School Construction Systems Development (SCSD) schools and to elements of the SCSD building system. Results of the 3,000 person survey are presented both as comparative findings for the 11 SCSD schools involved and as response profiles for each of the schools.…

The learning environment and its interrelationship with educational policies and the coordinated planning and design of schools and their facilities are discussed in the light of the human organism or student. The problems and hazards of present learning environments are reviewed in conjunction with environmental control and its influence on…

Adequate school plants are essential to a modern educational program. The school plant that is not properly maintained soon fails to provide the service for which it was intended. The total program of maintenance, including repairs, renovation, remodeling, rehabilitation, and modernization should be carefully planned. Some tasks will recur at…