Designing schools as community hubs
At a glance
Designing schools as community hubs strengthens social connections and enhances learning environments by creating flexible, multipurpose spaces that serve both students and the wider community. By integrating wellbeing initiatives and future-proofing technology, schools can foster a greater sense of belonging and support lifelong learning.
Designing schools as community hubs involves transforming educational institutions into multifunctional spaces that serve both students and the broader community.
Schools have always been the social heart of a community, bringing everyone together in so many ways. From school fetes to election polling stations and playgrounds used afterhours, schools provide a much-needed universal space for different community groups. By considering this role in school design, we can create a physical heart that can maximise community engagement and enhance outcomes for students, staff, parents and the wider community.
To successfully transform schools into thriving community hubs, several key design considerations assist in functionality, inclusivity and engagement for all users:
- Engaging the community from parents to small businesses
- Designing built in flexibility and adaptability
- Encouraging social interaction through design
- Wellbeing spaces and services to support students and community
- Embedding technology to support learning into school design
Engaging the community from parents to small businesses
Parent and grandparent engagement with schools can range from school drop offs and class volunteering to school council board members. Integrating this engagement into the overall design of a school or campus is essential. Flexible spaces can be used for parent gatherings, grandparents / guardian events and broader community activities that can foster stronger connections and a more inclusive school environment.
Schools are also increasingly being designed to accommodate co-located services such as kindergartens and maternal health centres, reinforcing the role of schools as vital community hubs. Through co-location of these services, we can maximise spatial efficiency and streamline educational and social programs.
Partnerships with local businesses are also an important consideration of community engagement for reciprocal support. Local businesses and groups often advertise and make donations to schools through silent auctions and school fetes; this support can also extend into the built environment, creating spaces for community-led events that strengthen local connections.
Designing built in flexibility and adaptability
Schools are valuable bricks and mortar assets, so it can be both fiscally and socially beneficial to utilise these spaces for the whole community. As populations grow, so does the demand for community spaces, and schools can provide various types of spaces for diverse community groups. While sporting facilities and performing arts spaces have long been shared with the community, we are now designing more flexible spaces such as cafes and libraries that can have wider community use.
On a micro level, flexible spaces that can be adapted to changing needs are fundamental to schools and the community. With the evolution of education, we have adapted the design of a variety of learning environments so they can accommodate independent learning, quiet study, collaboration spaces and large group gatherings.
Additionally, these adaptable spaces can be used for student learning during school hours and after hours, for smaller parent events or wider community events. Whether it is a sporting facility, performing arts space or library, these spaces provide flexibility and opportunities for various types of community engagement and connection beyond the school day.
Encouraging social interaction through design
Spaces that are adaptive and collaborative, encourage social interaction and are important for creating a sense of belonging. Through thoughtful design, such as modular and moveable furniture, the selection of seating and the material palette can enhance the way people feel connected to a space. For example, in a recent school café project that I worked on, the design required the space to be flexible to accommodate large group community events, but the day-to-day operation required a space to promote student social engagement. The design solution included a range of versatile gathering options such as high communal tables and stools, small grouping window seats and outdoor seating, fostering a sense of community and strengthened social bonds.
Wellbeing spaces to support the community
In recent years, there has been a focus on wellbeing in both the curriculum and the built environment of education. This will continue to be a focus for schools, students, staff, parents and the wider community. Providing spaces for students and teachers to practice mindfulness and cater to a holistic wellbeing are being included in schools. Designing spaces that promote physical health such as sporting facilities, but also spaces that support emotional, social, mental and digital wellbeing.
With mindfulness and brain breaks playing an important role in a student’s day and wellbeing a big part of school’s curriculum, schools are well positioned to offer a range of services for students, staff and the wider community. We recently designed a wellbeing centre that reflects this approach; it offers services such as a pool, sports courts and yoga and pilates studio for both school and public use.
Embedding technology to support learning into school design
As the world becomes more connected and inclusive, teaching and work styles have evolved. Shared teaching models are gaining prominence and online learning is now a permanent fixture in schools. Integrating and future proofing technology is a key consideration for the learning environment so that it remains adaptable to changing educational needs.
With the evolution of the curriculum and advancing technology, there is more emphasis on digital literacy, even as early as Grade 1, where students are introduced to coding. These trends reflect a broader effort to create more inclusive, supportive and technologically advanced educational environments in Australia.
Designing schools as community hubs is an approach that not only enhances the educational experience but also strengthens community bonds. By creating multifunctional spaces that cater to the diverse needs of students, parents and residents, we can foster a sense of belonging and support holistic development. As we continue to innovate and adapt our educational environments, we lay the foundations for more inclusive, engaging and resilient communities.