flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Evidence linking classroom design to improved learning mounts

Industry Research

Evidence linking classroom design to improved learning mounts

A study finds the impact can be as much as 25% per year.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | September 12, 2016

Pixabay Public Domain

A new study backs up the notion that classroom design has a significant impact on the academic performance of primary school children. 

Researchers at the University of Salford in the U.K., and architects, Nightingale Associates, found that the classroom environment can affect a child’s academic progress by as much as 25% in a year. The year-long study took place in seven Blackpool, England primary schools in 34 classrooms. The rooms had differing learning environments and several age groups were represented.

Data from 751 pupils included performance level in math, reading, and writing at the start and end of an academic year. Researchers also studied the holistic classroom environment including classroom orientation, natural light and noise, temperature, and air quality. Other factors included flexibility of space, storage facilities and organization, and use of color.

Researchers said the findings suggest that placing an average pupil in the least effective, rather than the most effective classroom environment could affect their learning progress by as much as the average improvement across one year. The study will continue for another 18 months and cover another 20 schools in different areas of the U.K.

Related Stories

Industry Research | Mar 21, 2017

Staff recruitment and retention is main concern among respondents of State of Senior Living 2017 survey

The survey asks respondents to share their expertise and insights on Baby Boomer expectations, healthcare reform, staff recruitment and retention, for-profit competitive growth, and the needs of middle-income residents.

Industry Research | Mar 14, 2017

6 ways cities can prepare for a driverless future

A new report estimates 7 million drivers will shift to autonomous vehicles in 3 U.S. cities. 

Office Buildings | Mar 7, 2017

Large creative office projects generate staggering returns for property investors

A new Transwestern report examines the adaptive reuse trend across the U.S.

Industry Research | Mar 7, 2017

These are the 10 most expensive cities in the world to build in

Paris, Frankfurt, and Macau are all on the list, but none of them are more expensive than the city in the number one spot.

Office Buildings | Mar 2, 2017

White paper from Perkins Eastman and Three H examines how design can inform employee productivity and wellbeing

This paper is the first in a planned three-part series of studies on the evolution of diverse office environments and how the contemporary activity-based workplace (ABW) can be uniquely tailored to support a range of employee personalities, tasks and work modes.

Industry Research | Feb 15, 2017

Putting workers first should be every employer’s priority

The latest Sodexo report on workplace trends explores 10 factors that are impacting the global work environment.   

Industry Research | Feb 13, 2017

How thought leadership marketing can generate referrals for your firm

The most effective way to boost your reputation is through thought leadership marketing.

Market Data | Feb 1, 2017

Nonresidential spending falters slightly to end 2016

Nonresidential spending decreased from $713.1 billion in November to $708.2 billion in December.

High-rise Construction | Jan 23, 2017

Growth spurt: A record-breaking 128 buildings of 200 meters or taller were completed in 2016

This marks the third consecutive record-breaking year for building completions over 200 meters.

Market Data | Jan 18, 2017

Fraud and risk incidents on the rise for construction, engineering, and infrastructure businesses

Seven of the 10 executives in the sector surveyed in the report said their company fell victim to fraud in the past year.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category




MFPRO+ Special Reports

Top 10 trends in affordable housing

Among affordable housing developers today, there’s one commonality tying projects together: uncertainty. AEC firms share their latest insights and philosophies on the future of affordable housing in BD+C's 2023 Multifamily Annual Report.

halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021