Designing for privacy in the learning environment

Abstract

This thesis looks at the need for privacy in the general instructional areas of an elementary school, with the role of the architect in mind. Taking off from the open-plan school, the most recent trend in educational architecture, a case is made for building a range of private places in the school environment. A review of the literature provides a look at behavioral and environmental research on privacy, as well as background information on educational and school design issues. An investigation of a handful of schools in the Boston area gives a description of how the class spaces are used, and uncovers shortcomings and strengths of the buildings. Finally, this information is used to draw some conclusions about how the physical form can provide the necessary privacy. These conclusions are interpreted into design ideas. In focusing on the issue of privacy, several other peripheral issues such a s flexibility and educational philosophy are dealt with. Enclosure and access, issues that bear directly on privacy are discussed. It is concluded that more enclosure than has been provided in open-plan schools is needed on the grounds that more enclosure supports rather than inhibits the activities taking place in a school.