All Articles Education Commentary Designing smart schools for student and staff well-being

Designing smart schools for student and staff well-being

Reducing noise and heat and increasing daylight can make a marked difference in students' academic performance and well-being.

5 min read

CommentaryEducation

Overhead view of a young girl drawing a picture in sunlight for article on daylighting in schools

(Nick David via Getty Images)

In today’s constantly changing world of education, smart schools have become a hot topic that’s evolved beyond just a trendy catchphrase. These schools aren’t just focused on adding more technology — they’re also about creating spaces that boost the well-being and performance of students and staff. Key factors like natural light, reducing noise and maintaining a comfortable temperature play a big role in making a learning environment more effective. When these elements are thoughtfully designed, they can significantly affect student engagement, academic success and overall well-being.

The power of daylighting in schools

Daylighting — essentially using natural light to brighten up indoor spaces — has proved to have a powerful effect on students’ academic performance and overall well-being. A 1999 study by the Heschong Mahone Group found that students in classrooms with plenty of natural light showed higher levels of energy, engagement and focus. Even more importantly, these students performed much better academically than their peers in classrooms that didn’t get as much light.

Natural light is vital to keeping our circadian rhythm in check. It helps students stay awake and alert during school hours and naturally prepares them for sleep when it gets dark in the evening. Staying in sync with the body’s internal clock is essential for maintaining energy and focus throughout the day. Plus, exposure to natural light triggers the release of endorphins — the body’s feel-good hormones — which can boost mood and motivation.

A more recent European study by Ramen Munir Baloch of Sorbonne University and his team backs up the connection between natural light and better academic performance. Researchers showed that certain classroom features tied to daylighting, like having bigger windows in proportion to the room size, had a noticeable impact on how well students performed on math and logic tests. The findings suggest that daylighting could explain over 20% of the difference in test scores.

A move toward making buildings more energy-efficient is leading some people to design schools with fewer — or no — windows. While LED lighting is great for saving energy, it doesn’t provide the full range of light that sunlight does. Natural light helps reduce eye strain, boosts mood and improves cognitive function — things artificial light simply can’t replace. So, as we keep pushing for energy efficiency, we can’t overlook the importance of natural light. Striking a balance between energy efficiency and daylighting isn’t just possible; it’s essential for the success of future generations.

Noise reduction: Creating a quiet, focused learning environment

Noise is another major factor affecting how well students focus and perform in school. Schools can be noisy, with sounds coming from outside traffic, HVAC systems and other classrooms nearby. Studies have shown that too much noise can raise stress levels, making it harder to concentrate and lowering academic performance.

A recent study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that noise levels in classrooms are frequently higher than recommended, affecting their learning and making it more difficult for students to communicate. Researchers highlighted the importance of acoustic design in schools. They suggested sound-absorbing materials, like acoustic panels and carpets, could help lower noise levels and make for a more peaceful learning environment.

Also, how a school is laid out can help reduce noise. For instance, putting classrooms away from noisy spots like gyms, cafeterias and busy streets can make a big difference in reducing disruptions and creating a better atmosphere for learning. Plus, using soundproofing materials in walls and ceilings between these high-traffic areas and the classrooms can help block out unwanted noise even more, improving students’ and teachers’ overall acoustic environment.

Thermal comfort: Ensuring a comfortable learning environment

A classroom’s temperature and air quality can affect students’ thinking, mood and overall well-being. When indoor temperatures are too high, students’ cognitive performance tends to drop, according to a study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Researchers noted that good ventilation is crucial for keeping indoor air quality up to par. 

To keep classrooms comfortable, it’s key to design HVAC systems that keep the indoor temperature stable and ensure good ventilation. Adding energy-efficient windows, insulation and shading devices can also help keep the classrooms cool, so you don’t have to rely too much on heating and cooling systems.

The synergy of daylighting, noise reduction and thermal comfort

Daylighting, noise reduction and thermal comfort each have benefits. Combined, they create a powerful synergy that truly boosts the learning environment. When all these elements work together, they help create a space that supports learning and promotes the well-being of students and staff.

Picture a classroom bathed in natural light, free from distracting noise, and comfortably cool. That setup is perfect for reducing stress and fatigue among students, which helps them focus better and perform well academically. On the other hand, a classroom that lacks natural light is constantly noisy and fluctuates drastically in temperature, which can turn into a stressful and distracting environment, making learning much more challenging.

The advantages don’t stop with students — teachers and staff benefit, too. A comfortable, well-designed environment helps reduce teacher burnout and improves job satisfaction, which ultimately leads to better teaching and improved student outcomes.

Designing smart schools for the future

As we move toward a future where smart schools become the norm, it’s important to understand just how crucial factors like daylighting, noise reduction and thermal comfort are for creating the best learning environments. These aren’t just bonus features; they’re vital to designing schools that prioritize the well-being and success of both students and staff.

An investment in schools that incorporate these elements is an investment in spaces that boost academic achievement and promote the health and well-being of everyone in the building. It’s literally building the future of education.

Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own. 

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