Educational Facilities for the Twenty-First Century: Research Analysis and Design Patterns

Abstract

This handbook examines the relationship between school buildings and educational performance. Following the introductory chapter, Chapter 2 presents findings from empirical studies that have examined the building/performance issue. Research has demonstrated that the physical setting has both direct and mediated effects on prosocial and achievement outcomes. Chapter 3 presents an ecological model that accounts for physical, psychological and social environmental factors that affect student outcomes. The fourth chapter offers an analysis based on a review of empirical research, architectural literature and educational reform literature to inductively develop a set of 27 design patterns. Two patterns based on environment-behavior research are highlighted--small schools and well-defined activity pockets. Chapter 5 discusses implications from the educational reform literature. The complete set of 27 patterns is presented in the sixth chapter. Chapter 7 presents an example that uses patterns to create a prototypical design for a new type of educational facility. The final chapter focuses on the earlier stages of the facility development process, those of feasibility and planning. A reconceptualization of an existing educational facility planning model is offered. A total of 42 figures and 1 table are included.