RIBA slams Gove's flat pack approach to designing future schools

Latest News Tue, Mar 22, 2016 5:03 PM

RIBA slams Gove's flat pack approach to designing future schools

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Education Funding Agency's (EFA) plans for standardising the design and construction of future schools.

The RIBA is seriously concerned that the proposed 'flat-pack' approach is inflexible and will deprive students and teachers of quality environments that are proven to support teaching and learning.

RIBA President Angela Brady said: “Our students, teachers and local communities deserve great schools - environments that are beneficial to the best-quality teaching and learning. In these times of austerity of course we need to cut our cloth on all spending; however, the government's proposals for the design and construction of future schools are far too restrictive with too much focus on short-term savings.

“Improvements must be made to the proposals to make sure that the schools we build now will suit the future generations of children that will learn in them, and deliver what the community needs in the longer term.”

The RIBA five key concerns over the government's approach to 'Baseline Design' are: a failure to create functional spaces for excellent teaching; not ensuring discipline and student wellbeing; ignoring the safeguarding of environmental comfort; disregarding statutory requirements for accessibility and inclusion; and not delivering long-term sustainability and value.

While the RIBA continues to welcome the government's objectives of achieving increased value for money and identifying ways to rationalise the complex process of design and construction, the institute is calling on improvements to be made the 'Baseline Design' proposals.

The suggested improvements include school designs be subject to independent review by recognised local education practitioners and school leaders to establish their ability to support excellent teaching and meet future community needs. It also supports the development of the baseline designs take full account of the statutory requirements for access and the current guidance on designing for students and staff with physical impairments and other disabilities, including sensory and other 'invisible' impairments.

In addition, the RIBA maintains that clients and schools receive expert advice from qualified and experienced design professionals on the quality and functionality of any contractor's proposals using the baseline design.

Featured News

Specification news
Significant barriers preventing industry increasing...

One year after the General Election, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) has released...

Read More >>

Specification news
CIEH echoes calls for ‘urgent, coordinated action’...

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has joined with fellow members...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

HPS200 Ultra Case Study Brochure Brochure

HPS200 Ultra Case St...
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

Confidex Datasheet Brochure

Confidex Datasheet
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

Prisma UK 2024 Brochure

Prisma UK 2024
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

HPS200 Ultra UK Brochure

HPS200 Ultra UK
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

Amtico Bio Support Document  Brochure

Amtico Bio Support D...
By Amtico

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

​The Confidex® Guarantee
​The Confidex® Guarantee

Offers the most comprehensive guarantee for pre-finished steel products in Europe and provides peace...

Read More >>

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®
Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®Super durable guaranteed performance.Designed to withstand even the most...

Read More >>

Prisma
Prisma

Colorcoat Prisma®Aesthetics that last, guaranteed.Colorcoat Prisma® demonstrates a step change by...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Mira Vista Heatloop
Mira Vista Heatloop

Mira Showers is delighted to introduce the new Mira Vista HeatloopTM – an innovative and stylish...

Watch Now >>

Why our Canopies Last Longer
Why our Canopies Last Longer

https://www.aandslandscape.co.uk/ Find out why A&S Landscape Canopies last longer than alternatives....

Watch Now >>

Enclosed Dining Canopy - Hampton Gardens School
Enclosed Dining Canopy - Hampton Gardens School

A&S Landscape designed and installed a large enclosed, curved roof canopy for Hampton Gardens School...

Watch Now >>