Work

The Effect of School Design on Users’ Responses: A Systematic Review (2008–2017)

Year: 2020

Type: review

Abstract: This systematic review focused on the effect of the educational environment design on students’ and teachers’ performance, satisfaction, and wellbeing. Starting from a bulk of 1307 articles, a set of N = 68 empirical papers was selected and organized on the basis of four different content clusters, i.e., architectural building design and aesthetic features, indoor environmental features, classroom design, and school green spaces/outdoor spaces. From the analysis of research findings, the key role of pleasant, warm, and flexible learning environments emerged, for promoting both wellbeing and performance of users. More specifically, the presence of charming colors and pictures, ergonomic furniture, and adequate acoustic, thermal comfort, ventilation, and natural lighting have emerged as important features that school designers should care for. Furthermore, an integration of both indoor and outdoor learning situations showed to be effective for improving students’ learning and wellbeing.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su12083453

Authors: Sara Manca, Veronica Cerina, Valentina Tobia, Simona Sacchi, Ferdinando Fornara

Institutions: University of Cagliari, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, University of Milano-Bicocca

Language: English

Topic: Educational Environments and Student Outcomes

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,901