CONTEMPORARY SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS

- PEDAGOGICAL QUALITIES OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Despoina Pouniou 1

ABSTRACT
The paper examines the link between pedagogy and sustainable design, in the context of the
school environment (building and outdoor space) in the 21st century. The analysis of the
educational benefits of sustainable design touches upon three basic themes: physical and
mental health, participation and social awareness and awareness about sustainability issues.
The study is based on a considerable body of literature about the concept and practices of
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), as well as on research about the positive impact
of sustainable design on students health and learning. In parallel, three notable examples of
contemporary school environments are presented, putting emphasis on the sustainable design
of each project and the pedagogical qualities of it:
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Paul Chevallier, Municipality of Rillieux-la-Pape, Lyon, France, Tectoniques

Crete Innovative Bioclimatic European School Complex, Crete, Greece, Atelier3AM

Marin Country Day School, Corte Madera, California, USA, EHDD

The intention is to present eco friendly school environments of high architectural aesthetic,
that promote the core themes of sustainable development across the curriculum, the school
design and management. The selected schools embody energy efficient design principles
(passive and active strategies) and cover a wide geographic range.
The study indicates that sustainable school environments can enhance young peoples well being and learning, and encourage participation and social action. In addition, such
environments engage young people in sustainable practices and cultivate notions of
sustainability.
Keywords: school environment, sustainable design, pedagogical qualities, education for
sustainable development, ESD
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Despoina Pouniou, Department of Architecture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 62400, Iraklia Serres, Greece,
despoinapouniou@gmail.com

This paper is based on my Research Diploma Thesis Contemporary Sustainable School Environments, which was
submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma of Architect Engineer at Aristotle University of
Thessaloniki.

Sustainable Development Symposium | 6th annual European postgraduate symposium | 1