Presenting qualitative and quantitative findings from the unique, multi-disciplinary project, Design Matters?, this timely book explores the complex relationship between school design and practice to consider how environmental aspects impact on the day-to-day perceptions, actions, and behaviours of pupils, teachers, leaders, and professionals within the school community.

Exploring debates and issues from a number of different professional and academic perspectives, School Design Matters results from a rich collaboration between schools, architects, engineers, educationalists, and policymakers. It considers what an inspiring teaching and learning environment might look like. Case studies and first-hand student and teacher experiences allow analysis of the ways in which environmental factors might transform pedagogy, shape patterns of leadership, improve student engagement, and enhance social interactions within and beyond the school community. Experts in their fields, the authors acknowledge the significance of sociocultural contexts, reference relevant policy, and tackle the tensions, dilemmas, and contradictions which frequently arise as schools and professionals in the design and construction sectors collaborate in the creation of buildings which fulfil the needs of diverse, invested parties.

Offering a uniquely holistic approach to understanding the ways in which design may contribute, shape, and mediate teaching and learning, this comprehensive text will be essential reading for educationalists, architects, policymakers, and professionals involved in the design, construction, and use of school buildings.