Designing Green Classrooms

Whenever I pass by my old elementary school, a recognized as a California Distinguished School, I'm always astounded by the number of worn-out looking trailers that have begun to populate the playground, replacing what used to be a grassy area and a former recess hangout of mine. How do kids learn in these makeshift classrooms?

There are companies who are trying to find better solutions to California's crowded classroom problem, as reported by GOOD today. ProjectFROG is a design company focusing on smart buildings that are greener, safer and cheaper. Unlike traditional "temporary classrooms" (temporary defined here, at least in the case of my old elementary school, as being 10+ years), ProjectFROG's designs are modular, allowing for adjustments based on the school's needs. They are also energy-efficient and use high-quality materials, unlike the toxic plywood being used in traditional trailers (remember the FEMA trailers provided to Katrina victims?).

What I like about ProjectFROG's proposal is that their design methodology is based on the people who are going to inhabit the space, in combination with functionality considerations. The company's modular classrooms are designed to maximize light, and studies have shown that access to daylight/pleasing views outside of the classroom windows leads to higher test scores and improved performance. Anyone who has ever worked in an office cubicle under flourescent lights can attest to this.

Under the stimulus bill, the U.S. Department of Education, through the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, intends to help states fill budget gaps and assist projects such as environmentally-friendly school rehabilitation and rennovation. I hope that more design firms will see this opportunity to focus not only on green building for schools, but also to rethink the way our environments can effect overall learning and health.



Images of ProjectFROG's design work from their website.