CHALLENGES OF DESIGNING PRIMARY SCHOOL GROUNDS IN NORTH MACEDONIA

Dehari, Fitore and Ibrahimi, Fjolla and Murati, Hafije (2022) CHALLENGES OF DESIGNING PRIMARY SCHOOL GROUNDS IN NORTH MACEDONIA. Journal of Applied Sciences-SUT, 8 (15-16). pp. 78-94. ISSN 2671-3047

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Abstract

In recent years we have seen a significant change in the design of educational institutions, as a result of contemporary pedagogical philosophy, attempts to create an inclusive and equal environment, or due to restrictions that appeared as a result of Covid-19. While government ministries of education have consistently provided guidance and standards for the design of school buildings, relatively little information has been provided regarding the creation of school grounds as potential spaces to enhance not only the learning process but also the well-being of pupils. The school ground landscape in educational institutions in North Macedonia, in most cases, presents desolate and unmaintained environments, with too many hard surfaces that lead to injuries and a lack of features, objects, and plants that can contribute to children’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual well‐being. For this reason, there has recently been a growing interest among young architects in designing and increasing the use of school ground greening. This paper explores how we can transform existing school grounds into ideal landscapes that meet the educational, social, and health needs of students. To better understand what such landscapes can look like, this paper begins with an analysis of 3 case studies in Europe and concludes with suggestions that can be applied to the schools in North Macedonia. Specifically, it investigates the use of green school grounds, appropriate furnishings, and materials as an integral part of outdoor learning to enhance children’s relationships with nature, which will be at the same time relaxing and motivating. In recent years we have seen a significant change in the design of educational institutions, as a result of contemporary pedagogical philosophy, attempts to create an inclusive and equal environment, or due to restrictions that appeared as a result of Covid-19. While government ministries of education have consistently provided guidance and standards for the design of school buildings, relatively little information has been provided regarding the creation of school grounds as potential spaces to enhance not only the learning process but also the well-being of pupils. The school ground landscape in educational institutions in North Macedonia, in most cases, presents desolate and unmaintained environments, with too many hard surfaces that lead to injuries and a lack of features, objects, and plants that can contribute to children’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual well‐being. For this reason, there has recently been a growing interest among young architects in designing and increasing the use of school ground greening. This paper explores how we can transform existing school grounds into ideal landscapes that meet the educational, social, and health needs of students. To better understand what such landscapes can look like, this paper begins with an analysis of 3 case studies in Europe and concludes with suggestions that can be applied to the schools in North Macedonia. Specifically, it investigates the use of green school grounds, appropriate furnishings, and materials as an integral part of outdoor learning to enhance children’s relationships with nature, which will be at the same time relaxing and motivating.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	School ground, children’s health, outdoor learning, landscape architecture
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Engineering Sciences
Depositing User:	Unnamed user with email zshi@unite.edu.mk
Date Deposited:	01 Nov 2022 09:31
Last Modified:	01 Nov 2022 09:31
URI:	http://eprints.unite.edu.mk/id/eprint/1100

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