Rethinking design series: Schools
“It’s imperative we get this right,” says Richard Hyams, founder and director of architecture practice Astudio. “The ramifications of the decisions we make now have the potential to impact the next generation.”
Arguably such views on the future of school design and construction could be made at any point in time; after all, good-quality school buildings should always be central in supporting children’s and young people’s learning. But the pandemic, which barred many children from physically attending school and exacerbated inequalities in education, has increased the pressure on those working on capital projects to create spaces that can adapt to future crises. Teachers, parents and politicians all agree that never again should students face the disruptions of the past 12 months. And now it falls to construction professionals to think of design solutions that can make school buildings more resilient in the future.
Feb 8, 2021
A multi-billion pound investment in new schools and rebuilds will serve as “a legacy for generations”, according to Gavin Williamson.
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Education Secretary Gavin Williamson
The Education Secretary says his flagship policy – which will initially see 50 schools rebuilt and 21 constructed – will play a major role in improving pupils’ education experience after the pandemic.
He said Shropshire and the wider West Midlands was at the forefront of his plans, which he insisted would boost the post-Covid economy and help the region get back on its feet.
Mr Williamson spoke to the Shropshire Star after revealing last week that Belvidere School in Shrewsbury will be among those to get investment for much-needed improvement work. Wombourne High School, close to the Shropshire border in South Staffordshire, will also be rebuilt, while a new free school will be built on the site of the old Rugeley Power Station.