Effective design goes far beyond addressing the immediate requirements of the client (i.e. answering the “what is needed” question). It must consider the broader group of stakeholders; effectively every group of people who engage with the school. Each group engages with the environment differently, so the design should reflect those diverse needs. In practice, this involves consulting with all relevant stakeholders to determine how the spaces should work for everyone, and how the operational dynamic of the whole should work.
There are three essential aspects to consider in any design project:
Physical Design:
This includes the tangible elements of the project; how the materials, space, light, and ergonomics should work. It’s the part that everyone sees and enjoys. It is often the part of the project that has the “wow” factor. While this is often the easiest to achieve, it's also the area that usually consumes most of the budget.
Designing with care for the physical elements is crucial, as it sets the foundation for how people experience the space.
Processes and Procedures:
This is often harder to quantify because it involves the dynamics of how people work within the space. Workplace roles and responsibilities change over time, so designing with flexibility is key. Spaces should accommodate shifting working conditions, evolving technologies, and the personal dynamics of the people using them.
Making room for adaptability helps to ensure that a building can continue to function well as its occupants and their working needs change.
Mental Wellness:
It is essential that design also contributes to a sense of mental well-being. Spaces and their layout should work to help reduce stress and anxiety, while fostering a feeling of safety and comfort. This is the most difficult to define because it can be heavily influenced by workplace dynamics, individual characters and changes in working procedures.
Acknowledging this, well-designed spaces can alleviate some of the tension that arises from challenging working environments and heavy workloads. By creating an environment that feels safe and uplifting, design can contribute to lower stress levels.
Artbox - A School Art Studio Extension
As a case study of holistic design is the Artbox, Art Studio Extension for a State Primary School in South-West London used design to address physical, procedural, and wellness needs within tight budget constraints.
Physical Design Response:
With limited funds, the focus was on creating a spacious room with ample diffused natural light, rather than expensive finishes or intricate details. Physically, the priority was to create a space that was fun to work in, flexible for a range of art activities, and be durable.Supporting Processes:
The design ensured minimal disruption to the existing school layout. It included a dedicated art studio, an adjacent art store, and a one-to-one teaching space. This created a neat, efficient space that supported both teaching and creative processes.A Place to De-stress:
The ArtBox became the go-to for students and teachers to visit, as it offered a quiet, uplifting atmosphere separated from the rest of the school. It provided a place where kids could escape their regular routines and engage in hands-on creativity, fostering both mental relaxation and educational growth.Holistic Design Considerations
Designing supportive environments is especially relevant in places like schools, where stress levels can be high. Teachers often experience significant and unrelenting levels of stress, which can lead to absences and serious health conditions. Although design cannot resolve all workplace tensions, it can help mitigate stress in a coordinated approach with the school to manage stress levels at work, by creating spaces that promote positive interactions and help limit difficult working situations between people.
For example, when designing, consideration to factors like good acoustics, lighting and ventilation, connections with nature, access to outdoor spaces, and opportunities for physical activity can help. These elements can all contribute to a healthier, more supportive environment.
This might not sound new or helpful, and after all most of the points listed in the diagram above are standard design considerations, but it is all in the approach. By focusing on the people and interactions of individuals and groups, rather than just the functionality of the building, design can be managed to deliver a product which looks good, functions efficiently for everyone and is supportive.
The Design and Delivery Process
How We Can Help You
For schools or educational establishments considering upgrades to their facilities whilst grappling with tight budgets, designs for improvements can still go hand in hand with enhancing procedural and wellness outcomes. So, let us talk to you se see how we can help. From the Head to the troubled Teacher, if your education facilities are not performing as they should, contact us to see how we might help.
By considering the needs of all stakeholders, we can create environments that are not only functional but are also supportive, promoting well-being and productivity for all who use them.
