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
A. Proctor Group Collaborates with Park Home...

The introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 was focused around higher-risk...

Read More >>

Specification news
A. Proctor Group products achieve CCPI assessment

Proctor Group has successfully undertaken assessment of the product information for...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

PVC-U System Fully Reversible Windows by Epwin Window Systems Brochure

PVC-U System Fully R...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

Spectus Bevelled Windows and Doors Brochure

Spectus Bevelled Win...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

Vertical Sliding Sash Window Brochure

Vertical Sliding Sas...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

Two-Part Cill System Brochure

Two-Part Cill System
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

 Spectus Ovolo  Windows and Doors Brochure

Spectus Ovolo Wind...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

DUOFLEX
DUOFLEX

DUOFLEX is a high quality elastomeric bitumen, hot bonded to the substrate incorporating the fleece...

Read More >>

TECSOUND
TECSOUND

TECSOUND is a polymer based, bitumen-free, high-density synthetic membrane. The combination of its...

Read More >>

ISOLAIR MULTI
ISOLAIR MULTI

ISOLAIR MULTI is a natural and ecological vapour-permeable, windproof and water-repellent thermal...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

A responsible addition: HIMACS shapes are now SCS-Certified for recycled content
A responsible addition: HIMACS shapes are now SCS-Certified for recycled content

HIMACS has long been the solid surface material of choice for architects and designers looking for a...

Watch Now >>

Our SUSTAINABILITY Roadmap
Our SUSTAINABILITY Roadmap

Myson has a clear sustainability strategy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)...

Watch Now >>

Sustainable Energy Efficient Solutions
Sustainable Energy Efficient Solutions

From radiators and underfloor heating to ceiling convectors and towel warmers, Myson is the UK’s...

Watch Now >>