Schools for the future

"Following an overview of the historical development of school buildings in different countries, international experts discuss how buildings can work with users' creative responses to result in environments that are "alive." The relationship between buildings and users is analyzed from the point of view of architectural psychology and emerging considerations such as information technology. The vision is to create "schools for the future" that people will be pleased to return to, time and again, and that also allow future modification in line with changing user requirements." "Criteria for the assessment of schools are derived from a dual approach. The first calls for a common language to be used in planning environments that are learner-centered, appropriate to developmental stage, safe, comfortable, accessible, flexible, equitable, as well as cost effective. The second approach to systematic assessment of school buildings employs facet theory to structure the large number of influences and indicators. Based on descriptions of 23 innovative schools on five continents, the system applies functional, esthetic, social-physical, ecological, organizational, and economic aspects to various parts of the school complex." "This book is an essential resource for educators, architects, and policy makers involved in planning and running schools."--Jacket.