Rethinking school design for flexible, inclusive special education
As the education sector evolves, designing schools for special educational needs (SEN) students requires adaptability and a deep understanding of their unique needs.
Through our collaboration with Tatweer Buildings Company (TBC) in Saudi Arabia, we have developed a flexible design guide for SEN schools. This initiative forms part of the Ministry of Education’s Schools Programme, supporting its aim to create inclusive educational environments that meet diverse needs.
Embracing adaptability
Adaptability is the foundation of our design philosophy. SEN schools need to be flexible spaces that can evolve to meet students’ changing needs. Our design guide is deliberately descriptive rather than prescriptive, allowing architects and designers the freedom to create environments tailored to each school while meeting the necessary regulations.
We have also created pupil profiles for each of the identified SEN tracks which help architects understand the varying needs of different student groups. These tracks guide designers in creating spaces that support physical, cognitive, sensory and emotional requirements. This deepened understanding of how a building can support individual needs should enable the design team to create an environment which can adapt over time as students’ needs evolve or cohorts change.
Additionally, our design guide introduces the concept of cluster arrangements, which group rooms and ultimately departments. The clusters are areas based on students’ abilities and space needs and allows the designers to pick-and-mix based on the cohort requirements. This strategy ensures the design team optimise the use of space resulting in cost efficient, usable spaces. By arranging spaces into clusters, schools can balance functionality with flexibility, ensuring adaptable, purpose-built environments that cater to students’ diverse needs.
Offering clients flexibility
One of the greatest strengths of this approach is the flexibility it offers to clients, especially those in the private sector. Clients are empowered to innovate and design SEN schools that meet their specific project needs while still adhering to worldwide best practice, sustainability principles, and local standards, such as Saudi Arabia’s Universal Accessibility Guidelines and Grean Code.
Our design guide provides detailed room data sheets, which outline room sizes based on a grid system, finishes and furniture needs. These sheets offer suggested layouts based on international best practices, but they also allow designers and clients the freedom to adapt the designs to their specific contexts. This balance between regulatory compliance and creative flexibility enables the creation of bespoke SEN schools tailored to the unique needs of each SEN type, staff requirements and support for the wider community.
Our collaboration with international experts has been critical in developing this flexible approach. By integrating global best practices with local requirements, we have developed a guide that meets Saudi standards while advancing the design of SEN schools across the region.
Designing with SEN students in mind
Effective SEN school design must be based on a clear understanding of the educational, emotional and physical needs of its students. A successful SEN school is not just about functionality; it is about creating a supportive environment that enhances the learning experience of every student.
Our design guide addresses key areas such as fire safety, acoustics, zoning, internal environments and sustainability. For instance, careful attention to acoustics helps ensure that students with sensory sensitivities are not disturbed by excessive noise. Zoning strategies ensure that learning and support spaces are well-organised, creating clear transitions between areas to enhance both functionality and creating a sense of place for students.
Moreover, the guide encourages the creation of inclusive environments that promote independence and social interaction. SEN school design should integrate spaces for both learning, socialising and provide support for the whole family and wider community. This focus on inclusion not only supports students’ academic growth, and social and emotional development, but also nurtures community acceptance.
Lessons learned and the future of SEN school design
Our experience developing this design guide has reinforced the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and a deep understanding of SEN students’ needs. By working closely with TBC and international experts, we have reimagined traditional approaches to SEN school design, creating a flexible framework that aligns with both local regulations and global best practices.
This project has shown us that effective SEN school design must not only address current needs but also anticipate future changes. By creating adaptable, flexible environments, we ensure that schools are equipped to evolve alongside their students’ requirements. Our design guide is a reflection of our commitment to fostering inclusive educational spaces. We look forward to continuing to shape the future of SEN school design, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.