| Designing
Schools for
Ecology & High Performance Philosophy and Qualifications for Planning and Design Services, Fielding/Nair International |
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Key
Design Features |
Ecology
is about more than saving energy--it's about a web of interrelated relationships.
Applying the principles of ecology to school buildings means examining
the sustainability of the entire system--student
performance, site and community fit, cost effectiveness, visual,
thermal, and acoustic comfort. For example, the use of natural light
saves energy and increases student performance. The drawing below
illustrates the use of daylighting on a tight urban site
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 The
photo at left illustrates the use of interior windows to bring daylight into a central team area. In addtion to saving on electric lighting costs, the use of interior windows provides interior spaces with a feeling of connection to the outside--in this case a view of a working international harbor. Another benefit of interior windows is that they foster a sense of connection between spaces, encouraging a closely networked community of learners. details |
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 The
use of
shared facilities illustrates
the principles of both ecology and synergy. The aerial photo at right
diagrams the use of shared facilities at Harbor City School. Educational
programming was developed during the early planning stages for the city
aquarium, theater, and library. Rather than construct and maintain its
own gym, students use a nearby YMCA. The
use of shared facilities allows Harbor
City to provide a high performance environment with
far less space than a conventional high school. In terms of a broad
ecology, partnerships are not only cost efficient, they are a lesson in
global citizenship. |
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