Planning school in developing countries
Practical Action
Architectural principles
When designing a school it is recommended to consider the following:
Flexibility: allow for adaptability as multi-functional spaces increase usability
Expandability: allow for future growth of school
Sustainability: Integrate this into every aspect of the project. For example
environmental education for sustainable development, including access to water for
drinking and washing, clean energy, food security and green building techniques.
Below is a list of issues to include when designing the buildings:
Natural ventilation
Orientation
Insulation - Heating/cooling
Day Lighting
Reflection
Spatial requirements
Access
Acoustics
For more information see Technical Brief School Buildings in Developing Countries for
information on the following:
ground preparation
foundations and floors
building materials
walls and roofs
maintenance
Construction
Once the masterplan has been finalised a building schedule can be prepared. This will
estimate the time required from beginning to completion and will allow the project manager
to monitor whether the project is on schedule.
Based on plans drawn up by a draughtsman or architect a bill of quantities (BOQ) can be
prepared listing materials, parts and amount of labour required. This will then provide an
itemised list of the costs and will be a source of reference for the project manager to note if
the project is within budget.
Services
See Technical Briefs for information on the following
Water and Sanitation: Water storage and rainwater harvesting
Food: Food sourcing, Food storage, Cooking – institutional stoves
Waste management:
Energy: This will be based on energy demand, and requirements of the school.
Computers, lights, radio/TV - Mains, solar, wind, hydro, hybrid
Additional community infrastructure
If funding allows the provision of additional infrastructure such as health clinics or a nursery
it can provide much needed support for the wider community. It would allow for the
education of health and hygiene and provide much needed supplies to the community.
References, further reading and links
School Buildings in Developing Countries Practical Action Technical Brief
Community Participation Methods in Design and Planning New York: John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. Sanoff, H. (2000).
Participatory Design Theory & Technique Raleigh, NC: Author. Sanoff, H. (1990).
Design Games Los Altos, CA: William Kaufmann, Inc. Sanoff, H. (1979).
Learning Environments for Children Atlanta, GA: Humanics Publishing Group. Sanoff,
H. & Sanoff, J. (1981).
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