Inclusive Schools

The initiative, led by Dalhousie University, is dedicated to transitioning from traditional design quality to enhancing belonging and experience in Nova Scotia’s learning spaces. The research outlines a roadmap to overcome barriers in educational spaces through a structured approach, ensuring that the community's needs are at the forefront of the design process. The roadmap highlights four core principles: documenting definitions of quality and lived experience, sharing these experiences within learning environments, analyzing professional frameworks for designing learning spaces and proposing specific guidelines to improve the quality of schools based on the School Building Guide. These guidelines encompass site design, program organization, accessibility, and environmental controls. The roadmap underscores the importance of creating flexible, accessible, and contextually responsive learning environments that foster a sense of belonging among students and educators. The initiative aims to translate theoretical insights into practical design strategies that can enhance educational outcomes by aligning physical spaces with their users’ lived experiences and needs, promoting a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.