Gensler debate: Designs for the next generation

26 June 2008

Jonathan Ibikunle, PfS’ Head of Design, and Michael Buchanan, PfS Education Director, were invited to participate in a debate hosted by Gensler with an audience mainly made up of of architects, technical advisers and educationalists: ‘Designs for the next generation’.

They were arguing for the motion: ‘Is the Building Schools for the Future programme transforming educational design?’

Their case was in two parts: firstly, that BSF processes are designed to challenge orthodoxies, stimulate innovation and bring about a step change in provision and outcomes, ensuring that education strategy drives design; and, secondly, that emerging school designs are demonstrating innovation, flexibility and intelligent organisation, buildings fit for purpose for a 21st century learning experience, and likely to transform the lives of children, young people, parents and families, and the communities the schools serve.

Jonathan and Michael’s argument is illustrated in their slides from the day, available to download as a pdf.