Architectural concerns for future learning environments

An overriding principle of architecture is "form ever follows function." With this principle, the design of a school facility should reflect the educational program housed within it. The function of most buildings is fixed or static. However, in education, evolving curricula and programs make the function more dynamic, often resulting in dramatic changes in purpose during the life span of the building. Given the fixed nature of facilities, the evolving nature of school programs and the financial commitment required for new facilities, school structures must be designed with future function and form in mind. Research on future school facilities is limited, dated in nature, or reflects a singular point of view. A reasoned, expert, group consensus regarding future educational programs and facilities is needed to assist local school districts in making future facility decisions. This research was undertaken to develop a reasoned group consensus as to factors which will effect future educational programs and the resultant effect of these factors on future school facilities. This study consisted of administering an iterative, five round survey instrument to a reputationally elite group of architects, futurists, and educators. A modified Delphi process was the basis for administering the study and developing the survey instrument. The subjects in this study were divided into two sample groups. The first group responded to the first two survey rounds concerning social and technological futures for education. The second sample group responded to survey rounds three through five, concerning the effect of social and technological futures on future school facilities. Following survey rounds, the participants were given either qualitative or quantitative feedback for the purpose of generating higher order responses and group consensus. The findings of this study indicate twenty-eight probable social or technological futures that may effect education. In addition, the study findings indicate twelve major themes concerning the effect of these futures on school architecture. Each theme has supporting architectural considerations that could be incorporated in future school facilities. Recommendations for other researchers are noted.