Taking ownership and personalising one little area can help establish a deeper connection to the school/ classroom. Quiet Zone Magda Mostafa created the Autism ASPECTSS™Design Index and one of the recommendations is to have an escape space, a place where children can go when facing over stimulation. Somewhere to unwind is beneficial for all ages and while childrenmay not have the freedom to come and go as they please, a quiet calming space in the playground, corridor or even an area in the classroomcan be reassuring.
DESIGN BY FUNCTION (CONT) . EDUCATION
Acoustics Children can be easily distracted and noisy classrooms, echos and reverberations or disturbances from other areas in the building can increase the chance of this happening. Acoustic panels can reduce noise and options are available for discreet ceiling panels or somethingmore extravagant to create a design feature. Textiles can be aesthetically pleasing and help to absorb sound. Rubber fittings on chair and table legs is another way to reduce noise levels. Nature The benefits of nature on our well- being are becomingmore andmore apparent. Nature counteracts our increasing dependence on technology. Outdoor classrooms or spaces where children can have lessons are becomingmore popular and factored into new designs for schools. When children are relaxed, their ability to learn increases. An outdoor space can use natural shelter from trees or canopies. Seating can be simple but adequate. Spending time outdoors can enhance a connection to the changing seasons of the year. Children can benefit by learning directly fromnature; an allotment or small garden area engages children to grow fruit and vegetables and helps to establish healthy connections to food. Learning about nature can raise the awareness of environmental concerns and help children understand the importance of sustainability. Plants, trees and shrubs in the play area can enhance the outdoor space and improve the view from inside.
Plants in a classroomcan help reduce carbon dioxide levels, filter sunlight and provide stimulation. Wooden furniture and natural finishes can be an additional way to introduce elements of nature into a class room. Shells, pine cones, twigs, or any natural materials can be used in classroomdisplays to bring a little of the outdoors inside. Personalisation When people retain some control over their environment they immediately becomemore comfortable and relaxed. This principle can be applied tomany situations; having a choice in redecoration projects (especially in rented properties), having control over room temperature, desk height and lighting in the office. For children, it can be as simple as personalising a coat hook, locker or classroomdrawer.
(Below) Outdoor classroom (Below bottom)
Natural wooden elements create a truly holistic space
(Above) Example of personalisation (Left) Sheltered exterior space
60
61
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software