Environmental design in the education sector
ViVA developed comprehensive design guidance material and provided the scope on establishing a classroom design advisory council.
PROJECT LEAD
PROJECT TEAM
PARTNERED WITH
In-House
Context
The educational sector faces numerous diverse challenges in creating functional, safe, and inspirational learning spaces. The physical environment, including both built and natural spaces, plays a significant role in influencing education and teaching outcomes. Effective design can enhance student engagement, improve teacher well-being, and provide a positive experience for carers – all while maintaining safety, security, and alignment to the organisation’s core values.
Challenge
A large education provider overseeing more than 100 schools sought strategic advice to improve its school environments in line with its education mission. The objective was to implement thoughtful design strategies addressing diverse needs of students, educators, and parents, while meeting safety concerns and long-term maintenance requirements.
Approach
The team conducted site visits across multiple schools, observing how students and staff used the physical spaces. They consulted with educators, students, and staff, ensuring all perspectives were considered. ViVA placed themselves in the shoes of all space users, testing functionality through a variety of scenarios.
Outcomes
ViVA developed classroom design guidance material that enabled the education provider to identify and address systemic issues that impacted on staff, student, and carer experiences. The guidance served as an initial framework, accompanied by recommendations on establishing a design advisory council for continuous support to the leadership team. This advisory model equips leadership teams to deepen their design expertise and implement strategies on a critical element of the school experience with a lasting impact – classroom design.