Learning Environments Designed for the Occupants: Three Case Studies of Innovative Elementary School Designs.
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| Title: | Learning Environments Designed for the Occupants: Three Case Studies of Innovative Elementary School Designs. |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Shrader-Harvey, Erika, Droge, Martha, Virginia Univ., Charlottesville. Thomas Jefferson Center for Educational Design. |
| Availability: | University of Virginia Bookstore, 400 Emmet St., Charlottesville, VA 22904. Tel: 800-759-4667 (Toll Free); Web site: http://www.bookstore.virginia.edu. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 49 |
| Publication Date: | 2002 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Descriptors: | Building Design, Building Plans, Built Environment, Design Preferences, Educational Facilities Design, Elementary Education, Elementary Schools, Facility Case Studies, Photographs, School Buildings, School Space, Space Utilization, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes |
| Geographic Terms: | U.S.; Virginia |
| Abstract: | This research project examined how educational facilities are perceived and used by the occupants. It sought to inform the design of effective learning environments in elementary schools through a heightened awareness of the needs of the occupants and an understanding of how they use their school facilities. Project objectives included the following: (1) to increase awareness of the needs of facility users by encouraging a dialogue between designers, educators, and facility occupants; (2) to develop a knowledge base that will lead to the design of effective learning environments; and (3) to assemble a set of visual examples of effective learning environments that can be used as a resource to facilitate communication between architects and educators. The project involved the case study of three elementary schools: Irwin Avenue Open Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina; Grasonville Elementary School in Grasonville, Maryland; and Cougar Elementary School in Manassas Park, Virginia. In addition to detailed building descriptions with photographs, significant findings were: (1) a sense of community at multiple scales provides students with a sense of belonging and a sense of place; (2) functional spaces that allow for multiple uses and a variety of tasks encourage students to make choices for themselves, fostering the development of individual responsibility; and (3) experiential learning takes place when a student is engaged in an activity; active participation allows students to apply what they learn and helps them define their interests, thereby contributing to a sense of self. Implications for designers are also discussed. Appendices contain interview questions, the survey instrument, and school floor plans. (EV) |
| Notes: | Sponsored by BMK Architects PC. Photographs may not reproduce adequately. |
| Journal Code: | RIEOCT2003 |
| Entry Date: | 2003 |
| Accession Number: | ED473978 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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