INTRODUCTION
Student performance is the most critical measure of the quality of our schools. The design of educational facilities plays a role in student performance and must not be approached arbitrarily.
In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the relationship between the built environment and its occupants. Much research remains to be done, but much is already known about the role of lighting, acoustics and air quality, on human behavior. In San Diego, architects and neuroscientists are now examining the exact mechanics of these relationships and beginning to apply their findings. This sort of information is invaluable for school facilities where the occupants' welfare is the primary concern.
While numerous factors affect student performance, this section will focus on environmental conditions directly affecting learning where it takes place: the classroom. Within this space, various physical conditions may aid or obstruct students' academic progress.
This section discusses three such conditions; color, lighting, and acoustics, providing an introduction to the advantages of well conceived spaces for student performance. Also included is an introduction to the breakthrough work being done by Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture to increase our understanding of what makes an excellent learning environment.
- Ken Francis
Design to Maximize Student Performance Articles
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