Building tomorrow: The future of education

Connecting schools with their surrounding communities is essential for fostering a collaborative and thriving urban environment. Vertical schools, which optimise land use in both cities and regional areas, provide multi-functional spaces for diverse populations and are an innovative response to today’s community challenges. However, their success depends not just on the design of the school itself but how well it connects with community infrastructure, especially active modes of travel.

Proactive planning and collaboration between education departments, local councils and other stakeholders are crucial. By considering potential, priority and need, planners can work collaboratively with community and education providers to make informed decisions that benefit both the school and its community.

Our Road Safety Insights for Future Generations report and road safety technology collaboration with Compass IOT are examples of this in action. Using connected vehicle data, we can assess the safety and accessibility of streets surrounding schools, identifying accidents, near misses and speeding incidents. Adopting a data-driven approach allows us to test and visualise different interventions, such as traffic calming measures, bike lanes and pedestrian crossings, ultimately creating safer and more sustainable transport options for all.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, schools play a pivotal role in shaping travel behaviour within the community. By promoting active travel options, such as walking, cycling and public transport, schools can enable reduced congestion while encouraging deeper connections with local community. The connection between schools and their communities fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration, breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for interaction.

Understanding that schools are at the heart of the community means going beyond how the school looks. It demands a holistic approach that considers the broader urban ecosystem. Smart planning and the use of technology can create safer, more connected environments where schools and communities thrive together.

Housing has a profound impact on access to social infrastructure. Based on our CROSSROADS research into fit-for-purpose infrastructure through the lens of intergenerational equity, rising housing costs are pushing people to prioritise affordability over proximity to amenities, raising concerns for younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) over their children’s access to education.

Both Millennials and Gen Z are open to living in communities with a mixture of social, affordable and traditional housing types. They are also more open to varied, cheaper housing types like apartments and townhouses and would pay more to live near public transport, work, schools, hospitals and amenities like parks.

Considering the changes in housing affordability and preferences of generations that will inherit today’s social infrastructure, vertical schools play a critical role in facilitating equitable access to education in both cities and regional areas.

Active and public transport are also key concerns for younger generations. According to our CROSSROADS research, Gen Z and Millennials believe there are safe and easy ways to get around their communities without a car, such as cycling and walking. They would also use public transport more to get to work, school, shopping and healthcare if it was easier, more reliable and cheaper.

Positioning schools as social hubs within communities that are well connected to public transport caters to the evolving transport concerns of younger generations. This would reduce cars on the road, including the safety risks they pose, and promote active transport use, fostering deeper communal bonds and healthier lifestyles.

Schools should be seen as intergenerational assets that not only serve today’s students but also provide lasting benefits for future generations. When we look at schools as community hubs, we can see how shared spaces can offer opportunities for intergenerational learning and exchange, enriching the broader community while creating a sense of belonging. Making facilities like libraries, sports halls, auditoriums and gardens accessible to the public outside of school hours can help foster a sense of community and inclusion.

Beyond their role as educational institutions, schools contribute to intergenerational equity by serving the community in ways that go beyond traditional schooling. Incorporating sustainable and resilient design features – like rooftop gardens, solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems – can set a positive example for students and the community, teaching them how to minimise their environmental impact and maximise resource efficiency. These efforts can help meet the needs of today’s students without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive.

Creating flexible and adaptable spaces within schools also allows them to evolve as needs change. By using human-centred design methodologies, schools can involve students, teachers and the community in designing environments that are user-friendly, comfortable and engaging. Whether it’s accommodating new learning methods or incorporating emerging technologies, adaptable spaces mean schools remain relevant and effective over time.

Preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future requires us to rethink education, not just in terms of curriculum but also in the spaces and places we build. Whether a school’s auditorium is used to host performances, or the school garden is a place where avid local gardeners can meet regularly, truly integrating schools with the community means students can return at any stage of their life, long after they’ve finished their studies.

The future of education lies in our ability to reimagine schools as vibrant, community-centred hubs that make a lasting impact beyond the classroom. By embracing innovative partnerships and enhancing learning environments, we can create schools that meet the needs of today, while remaining resilient for generations to come.

When schools are placed at the heart of the community, they become lifelong centres of learning, collaboration and growth, allowing the benefits of education to be shared across generations and promoting a more connected, equitable and sustainable future for all.

To learn more, watch our webinar on connecting schools with community or watch the full series.