Anchors and Opportunities: Elementary School Architecture for Growth and Belonging in an Age of Disruption

Abstract

The architecture of Canadian elementary schools is centred on outdated and ineffective ideas of learning. This limits the educational opportunities available for students, leaving them ill-prepared for the rapidly changing world they inhabit. This lack of preparedness contributes to a variety of issues such as anxiety and increased prevalence of depression. Today, many academics and educators emphasize a resilience-based approach that focuses on developing socio-emotional skills and fostering creativity—key factors for future well-being and success that are especially important in a time of rapid environmental and technological change. Although this way of learning is gaining traction, the built environment creates barriers to its implementation. To support a resilience-based approach, schools must be redesigned with a focus on creating a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for growth. This shift in design priorities will offer students and educators the foundation they need to thrive in the face of contemporary challenges.