TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS WITH BIOPHILIC DESIGN: WHERE EDUCATION AND NATURE MEET
The Italian pedagogue and teacher Loris Malaguzzi believed that the educational process is based on three fundamental educators: teachers, peers and the school environment, which he called the “THIRD EDUCATOR”. Malaguzzi emphasized the crucial role of the physical environment, highlighting how the quality of spaces directly influences the quality of learning.
In his vision, the school environment should be carefully designed and organized to ensure that both children and educators feel comfortable, creating the ideal conditions for shared growth and learning.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT DESIGN
School buildings are much more than just places where knowledge is transmitted: they are environments that profoundly influence the psychophysical well-being, creativity and concentration of young people. Every day, millions of students spend many hours in bare classrooms, often characterised by dated design that pays little attention to important issues such as adequate lighting, both natural and artificial, acoustic comfort, air quality and many other fundamental aspects.
These environments, often dominated by cold and artificial materials, risk being perceived as alienating, reducing student motivation and involvement.
It is now clear that the design of school spaces should not be limited to satisfying basic functional requirements, but it is necessary to evolve in a more ambitious and regenerative direction, capable of responding to the physical, emotional and cognitive needs of those who live there on a daily basis.
Today's schools face numerous challenges, including rising stress among students and teachers, a growing mental health crisis, and uninspiring environments. Several studies have shown that the quality of spaces directly impacts academic performance: poorly lit or noisy classrooms reduce the ability to concentrate, while comfortable environments improve learning and overall mental and physical well-being.
In such a critical educational context, it is clear that the design of spaces is not a detail, but a strategic component. Biophilic Design offers an innovative and concrete perspective to address these problems.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE NATURAL WORLD IN THE BIOPHILIC SCHOOL
Biophilic Design, a design approach that aims to re-establish a deep connection between Man and Nature, certainly offers a new paradigm for rethinking our schools. Integrating elements and structures present in Nature such as light, vegetation, natural materials and spatial configurations that allow a good level of environmental control, good views and a contemporary feeling of protection, not only improves the quality of indoor and outdoor spaces, but can also promote more harmonious, stimulating and healthy learning.
Today, more than ever, it is essential to transform school buildings into spaces that inspire and nurture, creating environments that promote socialization, well-being, curiosity and connection with the natural world for both children and teachers and school staff.
The applied science of biophilic design plays a crucial role in these contexts, as experimental studies have shown that integrating natural elements into educational spaces can significantly improve students' ability to concentrate and reduce perceived stress levels.
THE LOSS OF YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONNECTION TO NATURE
The progressive loss of contact with Nature, widespread among young people with potentially serious consequences, also known as “Nature Deficit Disorder ” (Louv , 2005), is associated with several physiological and behavioral problems. Schools, with their physical environments, can become a point of connection between young people and the natural world, promoting experiences that stimulate the senses and strengthen the bond with the local ecosystem.
To create these opportunities, it is essential to provide environments that encourage interaction with natural elements both in indoor spaces and during outdoor educational activities.
THE BENEFITS OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS
By correctly applying the principles of Biophilic Design, environmental stressors can be eliminated, while promoting a more stimulating and comfortable environment, with positive effects on cognitive performance and the general well-being of students.
Numerous studies highlight some important benefits linked to the application of biophilic principles:
SOME PRACTICAL INTERVENTIONS
To effectively integrate Biophilic Design into school environments, a series of practical interventions can be applied that not only foster the connection between students and Nature, but also create stimulating and healthy learning spaces. Fo example, some solutions in reference to light, air and vegetation can be adopted to transform schools according to biophilic principles.
A careful and well-planned lighting design, implemented from the early stages of a project, can best enhance spaces by adequately responding to their intended functions and supporting the regeneration and learning needs of students. The choice of lighting should be made based on the intended use, the specific characteristics of the spaces, the users, and the objects present. Additionally, lighting should be adjustable to accommodate various activities throughout the day.
Air is essential for the well-being of individuals. In a school environment, poor ventilation can compromise student performance, increasing drowsiness and reducing concentration. Well-being within a learning space depends on various factors, including temperature, heating and cooling systems, ventilation, humidity levels and, above all, air quality. Air affects affective, cognitive and physiological aspects of individuals. Natural ventilation is preferable, using windows and skylights that can be opened to ensure frequent air exchange within classrooms.
The introduction of plants in classrooms may still encounter obstacles due to building and school regulations, as well as concerns related to maintenance. However, some projects are beginning to experiment with integrating vegetation through small green roofs, living walls, and potted plants that bring Nature into classrooms. Moreover, creating small green areas and outdoor gardens in courtyards or on terraces can provide spaces for outdoor education.
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN BIOPHILIC DESIGN FOR SCHOOLS
Implement the Biophilic Design in schools presents some difficulties, including:
Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration, education, and incremental interventions that can demonstrate the effectiveness of Biophilic Design in improving the well-being and performance of students and school staff.
