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All
together
now

How do we design more inclusive schools? By listening to the students and learning from the evidence.

Architectus is contributing to valuable research on inclusive school design through a University of Melbourne LEaRN initiative with grant funding from the Federal Government’s Australian Research Council (ARC).

LEaRN—the Learning Environments Applied Research Network—brings together international experts from a range of disciplines and sectors to explore and enhance physical learning spaces.

Along with partners, our practice is supporting one of their latest initiatives, integrating previously isolated knowledge from the architecture, education, and health spheres.

Evidence-based guidance for designers and educators

The work will generate more evidence-based guidance for architects, educators and policy makers involved in designing or modifying mainstream schools to make it easier and more fulfilling for students with disabilities to participate.

In addition to expanding our shared understanding of the spatial requirements of this student cohort, the research will result in a framework for developing more inclusive learning spaces through a co-design process with people who have lived experiences of disability.

Designed by Architectus for the VSBA, Quarters Primary follows a ‘supported inclusion’ model allowing students with different needs and varying degrees of disability to learn in the same classrooms as their peers.

“It isn’t possible to design effectively for inclusion of students with disability and neurodiversity without knowing and using their lived experiences. This research has real potential for positive change because we are committed to co-research.”

— University of Melbourne Professor Christine Imms, co-leader of the
research project

Sharing insights from our inclusive design tool

Over three years, Architectus is making both financial and in-kind contributions to the project. Our input will draw on insights from the A-UX inclusive design tool developed by our Aviation and Digital teams to help people with a disability or neurodiversity build confidence to move through complex environments.

The project’s outcomes will expand the knowledge base of our large team of architects, design strategists and other specialists in the Education + Research sector.

Together, the team has delivered more than 100 school projects over the last 10 years, including new primary schools for the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) designed to ensure students with disabilities and diverse learning needs can learn in the same environments as their neurotypical peers.

Our research partners

Administering organisation:
-University of Melbourne (LEaRN, Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning)

Partner organisations:
-Bond University
-Victoria School Building Authority
-Queensland Department of Education
-South Australia Department for Education
-Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
-Modern Teaching Aids
-Brand Architects
-ClarkeHopkinsClarke
-McIldowie Partners
-Heads Together for Acquired Brain Injury
-Association for Children with Disability

“This research could change the way we design schools for years to come. We look forward to sharing what we’ve learned, hearing from others in the industry, and gaining greater insight into what students and educators need through their direct and vital input.”

— Mark van den Enden
Architectus Principal and Group Director Communities