Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/619098
Impact of aesthetics on learning Most schools are designed to be functional, and the aesthetics are an aerthought. Preliminary research, however, shows: • Pupils with plenty of daylight in the classroom learn up to 21 per- cent more than pupils with less daylight. • Noise has a negative impact on pupils' behavior. • Bullying is worse in asphalted school yards than in well-ordered, challenging outdoor areas of varying design. • Feelings and learning are connected. A good atmosphere in the room creates better learning. Source: Ulla Kjærvang, educational architect, DesignShare Wasuma Elementary School A H WA H N E E F I N A N C I A L L Y S T R A P P E D Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District made headlines and saved millions when it decided to build the first dome-shaped school building in California. Now nearing completion, the gym will serve young- sters who previously had to use their cafeteria as both gym and event center. The 8,000-square-foot structure was paid for by bond money and cost $2 million, about half the cost of a traditional gym. The dome is made of concrete insulated with poly- urethane foam; materials will reduce energy costs up to 75 percent compared with a regular gym, according to California Dome Builders, which oversaw the project. School officials plan to hold a contest to name the new dome. "The kids are totally in awe. It will be nice to have a place where we can go inside. We held our graduations outside on the grass, and it can get up to 108 degrees here. There's not much in the town of Ahwahnee; we have a school and a post office and a restaurant. But now we're on the map. We're the school district with the dome." —SHANNON ECKLUND, Bass Lake Teachers Association president 29 December 2015 / January 2016