With the Vision Document: Safe and Activity-Friendly School Environment, they illustrate what that ideal school environment would look like if experts and users were given free rein: from the classroom and lesson content to neighborhood infrastructure and municipal policy. They show that it is possible: streets where cycling and walking are the norm, where there is space to play and meet, and where the design of the environment encourages children to be active and move independently. This is not a dream, but an achievable goal if we work together to make it happen.
Nine Core Design Principles for an Ideal School Environment
The Vision Document identifies nine core design principles for an ideal school environment:
- Make physical activity the default option: make the shortest route the most active route as well.
- Zones for different activity levels: from quiet (retreating/developing) to active (meeting and exchanging ideas), clearly demarcated but visually connected.
- Connect indoors and outdoors: large doorways, weather-resistant floors, plenty of daylight, multifunctional furniture in the outdoor space.
- Multiple uses & flexibility: spaces and places have multiple changing functions throughout the day.
- Inclusive & accessible: taking into account children with disabilities, different ages, and the different needs of boys and girls. Step-free transitions and low-stimulation zones.
- Natural & inviting use of materials: stimulates the senses and imagination, offers variety and challenge, and thereby encourages play and physical activity.
- Participatory & adaptive: involve children, teachers, the neighborhood and parents from the outset.
- Behavioral nudges: use markings, light, sound, color and rewards to encourage desired use.
- Life-cycle thinking: design for sustainable management and maintenance, energy efficiency and reusability.
The Dutch Cyclists’ Union and Wandelnet call for us to work together to create school environments where walking and cycling are second nature. Where children play with pleasure, where parents use them with peace of mind and where neighborhood residents feel connected to one another. An environment that contributes to a healthy generation.