Research Programme

This is an interdisciplinary research project combining architecture, environmental studies, educational science and policy research. The overall aim is to explore how new schools building programmes can provide better learning environments and encourage sustainable behaviour, developing an understanding of methodologies of participation employed and the influence of cultural and societal attitudes towards sustainable lifestyles and sustainable technology. It is a project shared by the University of Nottingham Schools of the Built Environment and Schools of Education and addresses a key strategic gap within the current portfolio of the Research Council Energy programme relating to research carried out within the Towards a Sustainable Energy Economy initiative. Its focus is in determining how children and young peoples attitudes towards sustainable technology are limiting the transition to a sustainable energy economy. The research is relevant, innovate and truly interdisciplinary.

Objectives:

1. To explore the theory and practice of collaborative design projects with children.

2. To examine methodologies of participation, in particular those that aim to inspire responsible approaches to the environment and to others.

3. To examine the conditions under which different forms of participation have developed, the influences of educational theory, policy and architectural theory.

4. To evaluate issues of well-being and the learning environment.

5. To investigate how architects, teachers and other building professionals can challenge consumerist habits to communicate to children the decision making necessary to begin to live sustainable lifestyles.

6. To assess the potential limitations of public policy in promoting the sustainable communities agenda.

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	How Can We Design Schools As Better Learning Spaces and To Encourage Sustainable Behaviour? Co-Design Methodologies and/Project Outline
Project Outline	Research Programme This is an interdisciplinary research project combining architecture, environmental studies, educational science and policy research. The overall aim is to explore how new schools building programmes can provide better learning environments and encourage sustainable behaviour, developing an understanding of methodologies of participation employed and the influence of cultural and societal attitudes towards sustainable lifestyles and sustainable technology. It is a project shared by the University of Nottingham Schools of the Built Environment and Schools of Education and addresses a key strategic gap within the current portfolio of the Research Council Energy programme relating to research carried out within the Towards a Sustainable Energy Economy initiative. Its focus is in determining how children and young peoples attitudes towards sustainable technology are limiting the transition to a sustainable energy economy. The research is relevant, innovate and truly interdisciplinary. Objectives: 1. To explore the theory and practice of collaborative design projects with children. 2. To examine methodologies of participation, in particular those that aim to inspire responsible approaches to the environment and to others. 3. To examine the conditions under which different forms of participation have developed, the influences of educational theory, policy and architectural theory. 4. To evaluate issues of well-being and the learning environment. 5. To investigate how architects, teachers and other building professionals can challenge consumerist habits to communicate to children the decision making necessary to begin to live sustainable lifestyles. 6. To assess the potential limitations of public policy in promoting the sustainable communities agenda.
Project Outline	Disclaimer