Jorge Teixeira and Alexandre Arieira Silva, through their participation in podcasts conducted by PREVIFORM, Lda, as part of the LEARNITECT project – Meeting of Innovative Learning Design and Inclusive Learning Spaces, propose a reflection on the architecture of Portuguese schools. This article aims to present some considerations on this reality.

The structure of Portuguese schools has changed greatly in recent decades, adapting to new teaching methods and the educational requirements of students. As attention shifts towards creating inclusive and innovative learning spaces, designing school buildings is now essential for educational achievements. In the past, schools in Portugal followed standardized models that were inflexible and did not cater to the varied needs of students. These structures frequently emphasized practicality over comfort and beauty, leading to spaces that, though functional, did not foster creativity or student welfare. Nevertheless, the approach has started to shift in recent years.

The LEARNITECT project emphasizes the significance of creating environments that fulfill practical requirements and also encourage and inspire students. Contemporary Portuguese school architecture is typically designed with greater flexibility and adaptability in mind, integrating principles of sustainability, accessibility, and innovative teaching methods. This fresh approach encourages the establishment of settings that foster collaboration, creativity, and the overall growth of students. A demonstration of this innovative method is the incorporation of spacious areas that are both open and multifunctional. Many schools have moved away from traditional classrooms in favor of flexible spaces that can be easily changed to suit various activities. This enables teachers to customize the environment to meet the specific needs of their classes, encouraging more student interaction and a dynamic teaching style.

Sustainability is now a key element in modern school architecture. Numerous newly constructed and upgraded schools incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies like solar panels and water reuse systems. These efforts not only lower schools environmental footprint but also function as educational aids, educating students on the significance of sustainability and preserving natural resources.

Another crucial aspect is accessibility. Portuguese schools are implementing inclusive designs that make it easier for all students to access and use, regardless of their physical abilities. In new school projects, ramps, elevators, adapted classrooms, and accessible restrooms have become common features to guarantee that all students can take part in educational activities to the fullest. Despite these improvements, obstacles still exist. Numerous schools in Portugal, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions, continue to function in outdated structures that do not comply with current comfort and efficiency standards. Revamping these buildings necessitates substantial funding and successful collaboration among various government levels and the community. Moreover, introducing new educational technologies in older schools may pose challenges and require significant financial investment. Using digital tools like interactive whiteboards and mobile devices successfully necessitates the right physical infrastructure as well as ongoing teacher training.

Portuguese schools are in the process of changing their architecture to embody a broader and more comprehensive approach to education. Adaptable, long-lasting, and reachable educational environments are becoming standard, fostering spaces that fulfill academic requirements while also sparking students’ inspiration and drive. Despite ongoing challenges, the dedication to innovation and inclusivity remains at the forefront of shaping school architecture in Portugal, ensuring a future where every child can thrive and learn in environments that nurture their overall growth.

References

  • Teixeira, J., & Silva, A. A. (2024, March 23). Architecture of Portuguese schools [Audio podcast]. In PREVIFORM Podcasts. PREVIFORM, Lda. https://www.previform.pt/l/podcast-arquitetura-das-escolas-portuguesas-architecture-of-portuguese-schools/
  • Ministério da Educação de Portugal. (2018). Decreto-Lei n.º 54/2018: Princípios e medidas para a educação inclusiva. Lisboa: Imprensa Nacional.
  • Santos, M. J., & Oliveira, R. T. (2020). Sustainability and innovation in school architecture. Revista de Educação e Sustentabilidade, 15(2), 101-120.
  • Gomes, L. P. (2019). Flexible learning spaces: Trends and challenges. Cadernos de Pedagogia, 7(1), 55-70.
  • Almeida, P. R. (2021). Accessibility in schools: An analysis of inclusive practices. Jornal de Educação Inclusiva, 10(3), 88-105.

Project reference: The LEARNITECT – Meeting of innovative learning design and Inclusive learning spaces is co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ programme. Grant agreement number: 2023-1-HU01-KA210-SCH-000152699.

With the main partner of the project, the Hungarian Association for Hungarian Digital Education, and with partners Learnitect Design Ltd (Hungary),  Previform Lda (Portugal) IAL Toscana carries out the project activities, financed by Erasmus Plus programme.