Designing Buildings for the Future of Schooling

"This is a book full of wisdom and common sense; it tells us what we thought we knew about how schools function technically and pedagogically, in a highly readable, visually stimulating format, which is bang up to date. Full of insightful ideas and theories on the complex ecosystems of learning, it asks important questions about how school buildings should be formed in the 21st century, and then answers them. It can be used as a design guide or as a compendium of innovation and inspiration for educationalists, designers and politicians. This is a timely addition to the debate because it puts schooling and learning at the centre of everything."

Mark Dudek, schools architect and writer, UK.

"This fascinating text provides a set of provocative and well-informed responses to the question of whether (and how) school buildings are significant to the education of those taught within them. One of the many key strengths of this book is that it draws together academics and practitioners from a range of disciplines – including practicing architects – in a way that highlights the complex ways in which design, policy, curricula and everyday educational experiences intersect. In so doing, the chapters offer novel and valuable insights into questions ranging from the very purpose of schools (and their buildings) to questions of environmental efficiency and air quality. The book will be of interest to a wide range of readers interested in school design, education and childhood – including architects, geographers, social policy analysts, sociologists and construction industry professionals."

Peter Kraftl, Professor of Human Geography, University of Birmingham, UK; and Honorary Professor, School of Education, RMIT, Australia