KINDERGARTENS, SCHOOLS AND PLAYGROUNDS

Human development during childhood and adolescence is particularlyimportant, and the quality of the spaces where it takes place can behighly influential in a delicate process. Numerous studies explore theeffects of architecture on children's behaviour and have their effect onthe design of educational establishments. This book gathers a selection ofschools and nurseries that aim to create imaginative and evocativeatmospheres. 30 projects are included, many of them also serving asmeeting places for the local community. Another important aspect isenvironmental 'intelligence', with energy saving systems, passive housestandards and light optimisation all factors that come into play. From theastronomy 'classroom of the future' in west London to a bubble-structurednursery in Japan, the forward-thinking projects herein are well presentedwith clear text, plans and photos.