Green Learning
It is well-established that school design affects learning. Now, evidence is emerging that beyond the classroom, views and surrounding landscapes have big impacts too. The Dirt has a new article about a University of Illinois study that found green views led to better attentional functioning and stress recovery after short breaks from academic activities. For designers, architects and landscape architects, this has important implications. On one hand, it provides further reason to limit parking lots or place them underground. On the other, it suggests that designs and retrofits that maximize indoor views of trees and greenery enhance the learning environment and further support academic success.