Architectural and educational groups look into the effects of classroom design to student performance.

1. Classroom Design
Affects Learning,
Studies Say
Whiteleys Office Furniture

2. Architectural and educational groups look into the effects of classroom design to
student performance.
Natural factors
A 2013 study conducted by the University of Salford and UK architects Nightingale
Associates revealed that well-designed classrooms could improve students’ learning
by 25%. The study assessed seven Blackpool schools.
The researchers arrived at this conclusion by comparing two sets of data. The first
set encompassed the pupil’s age, gender and performance in reading, writing, and
maths. The second set involved measurements of environmental factors such as
classroom orientation, natural light, air quality, noise levels, and temperature.

3. Overall Design of Classroom
A bigger study was conducted in 2015, involving 27 schools in Blackpool, Hampshire
and Ealing. This study was done under the HEAD Project (Holistic Evidence and
Design), funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
(EPSRC). This particular study found that moving into well-designed classrooms
improved students’ learning by 16%.
The factors that the study looked into were:
 Level of stimulation: classroom characteristics that affect student’s level of
stimulation such as classroom complexity and colour
 Individualisation: includes how flexible the environment is for children’s
different learning needs and how children can personalise their space
 Naturalness: natural environmental factors such as light temperature and air
quality
A significant finding of this study is that teachers can easily alter their classroom’s
design to help their students. Recommendations included changing the room’s
layout, wall colour, or wall display. The overall goal for wall colour and display is to
create a balance of stimulation and calmness.

4. The study also recommended that pupils be allowed to personalise certain aspects
of the room such as drawers or lockers to give them a sense of belonging. For
furniture, the study recommended using ergonomic furniture to create a space
specifically designed for children, and lower height furniture to open up more wall
area.
Sources:
https://www.dezeen.com/2013/01/02/poor-school-design-can-affect-learning-says-
new-study/
https://www.whiteleysoffice.co.uk
http://www.salford.ac.uk/cleverclassrooms/1503-Salford-Uni-Report-DIGITAL.pdf