Planning our nation's schools : considerations for community and site design

Abstract

This creative project examines trends in school planning and design at both the community and site levels. At the community level, two trends have shaped many of the decisions made in school planning: consolidating schools into mega-sized schools and placing schools on the periphery of development. These practices contribute to sprawl, urban disinvestment, racial and social segregation, environmental degradation and educational inequality. Alternatives in school planning such as school renovation and schools as community centers, are examined through case studies.At the site level, schools are typically built on acres of land covered by lawn, sports fields and asphalt parking. Research shows that school grounds can serve as valuable educational resources when designed as learning landscapes. A conceptual master plan for Storer Elementary School in Muncie, Indiana illustrates how a bland school landscape can be transformed into an educational resource to improve learning, environmental quality, safety and health.