I often say that the UAE and the wider region are driving innovation in education, because it's true.

The pace of change here presents an incredible opportunity: to rethink how we design schools for the future, not just for today. Schools are long-term investments that should foster learning environments that inspire students and support not just their well-being but those of the communities they operate in, and not just for today but for generations to come.

Designing schools for longevity and impact For years, innovation in school design focused on new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities. But true progress means designing schools with longevity and adaptability in mind. Schools must maximize existing spaces, create flexible environments, and integrate sustainable solutions that enhance the learning experience.

With urban expansion and greenfield sites becoming scarce, repurposing older buildings, optimizing layouts, and designing multi-use spaces are crucial. Every square meter should serve a purpose, whether for learning, collaboration, or well-being. Schools must also be responsive to evolving curriculum, pedagogy, and technology, ensuring their relevance for decades.

Sustainability beyond green buildings

Sustainability is not a checkbox, it’s a fundamental principle. While certifications like LEED and solar panels are valuable, the real goal is to build schools that endure. The greatest environmental cost in construction comes from materials, so designing schools to last 100 years instead of 30 is essential.

True sustainability also means flexibility, creating spaces that evolve with education rather than requiring costly renovations. This goes beyond modular furniture or movable walls; it’s about ensuring schools remain adaptable to new teaching methods, student needs, and emerging technologies.

A truly sustainable school doesn’t just minimize waste; it regenerates its purpose over time.

Making schools better

At the heart of school design is the student experience. Research shows that space, light, acoustics, and nature significantly impact student well-being, cognitive function, and academic performance. Schools must foster environments that promote physical, emotional, and social growth.

Designing for well-being means prioritizing spaces that foster social interaction, classrooms that encourage collaboration, and quiet areas for reflection. Green spaces, natural light, and biophilic design elements reduce stress and enhance focus.

When students feel comfortable, inspired, and connected to their surroundings, their ability to learn and thrive improves.

In Dubai, the KHDA ratings emphasize well-being as a key factor in school quality, but this should not be a trend, it must be embedded in school architecture and design. Schools must foster empathy and social connection, reinforcing a sense of wellbeing, community and inclusion.

Space as the third teacher

The learning environment plays a silent but powerful role in education. Thoughtful, research-backed design acts as a “third teacher,” shaping cognitive and social development. Purposeful spaces enhance focus, while flexible layouts support different learning styles and encourage collaboration.

Rather than following trends, we should create schools that inspire creativity and critical thinking. The best-designed schools do more than educate; they reflect the cultural and social values of their communities. Schools in the UK, now expanding into the UAE, carry centuries of history.

The next generation of schools in this region should be built with the same sense of permanence and purpose. By using local and sustainable materials like palm ply, collaborating with local designers, and fostering a sense of place, we can build schools that reflect their communities while standing the test of time.

Great schools don’t just prepare students for exams; they shape well-rounded community members, empathetic adults who contribute to their communities.

The future of education isn’t just about building schools—it’s about designing better learning environments that inspire, sustain, and adapt. By prioritizing longevity, well-being, and true sustainability, we can create schools that nurture students, empower educators, and serve communities for generations.

Thoughtful design ensures these institutions continue to lead the way in educational excellence and innovation.

Charlotte Borghesi, Special to Gulf News

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