Contributed By: Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School, Bangalore

There are buildings and there are enduring manifestations of a long-term vision that have the power to shape thinking, influence minds—transform worlds even. The architecture of academic institutions, the ones that goes beyond time and the immediate present their current contexts, have the strength to change the learning space. The foundation of education that is laid when we enter school is the most important. Learning and education are an important part of our life as they shape the way we grow, the way we are as a person, and the way we see the world. The time spent in school is often memorable for people as it is the first step that they take towards being beyond home. When we spend so much time in a particular architectural space, the space also influences us. We become associated with architecture not only as a physical place but also as a space that has impact on our vision and outlook. Let us explore how school architecture influences the process of learning.Planned architecture boosts comfort
When designed with ample ventilation, light, and breathable materials, classrooms can provide students and teachers with a comfortable learning environment. Today most primary learning spaces for students are classrooms and a well-designed indoor space can boost comfort among students. Physical features of learning spaces can stimulate emotions, create a sense of security, and prepare the students to learn. We see school buildings having architecture where the spaces are designed around a circular open space. By surrounding it with the school itself, the courtyard becomes a place of interaction while being completely safe at the same time.Enhances focus and concentration
Desirable designs consist of having unmatched, quiet private and public spaces that improve a sense of mutual support and unity. Interior architecture and internal features of learning spaces can either help students focus on studying or prevent them from lending full attention to learning. Design characteristics such as poor acoustics, poor ventilation, and insufficient lighting undermine learning. Today’s school architecture represents a quantum leap forward; it’s at once worldwide, invisible, personal, and mobile and enables concentration.

Spaces have impact on the mind
For younger students, especially toddlers who spend so much time in school for the first time after home, the school building plays a role in their initial growth and development. Depending on the kind of architecture that the school has, creativity can be enhanced a great deal because these spaces have an impact on the mind and eventually on vision. Spaces that offer exposure to a variety of stimuli, like colour, texture, light and darkness, volume, etc., help kids learn just from being there.

Nurturing through Nature
Spending time in and around nature has also been proven useful to reduce stress, anxiety and depression in young students. It helps them connect and become more actively engaged with their surroundings. Nature is an important factor when school buildings are involved. Studies have shown that greenery improves the grades of middle school students and makes students and faculty more comfortable. Nature allows children to explore, observe, and listen, which unknowingly teaches us valuable lessons.

Building a sense of community
When creating spaces for a school building, we should look at developing areas that are convenient for students to enjoy. Students would want to feel like they belong to the school – and that’s something that great design can accomplish. It is of great importance to students to have places where they can study by themselves, or be with friends. At the same time, places to safely store laptops and personal items in between lectures, attractive lobbies with comfortable and adaptable furniture, as well as large seating areas where students can meet in bigger study or friend groups will help to bolster their attitude and loyalty on campus.

In conclusion, it is to be noted that students tend to spend time in open or semi-open spaces beyond classrooms when they have free time. Schools where students as well as teachers, are provided with such spaces, where they have a choice, help them connect to the school building and these spaces help them interact and make friends, and build a family in their school. It is a win-win situation for the school as well as its students.