A recent study commissioned by The Carpet and Rug Institute and the International Interior Design Association Foundation indicates a link between classroom design and student performance. The survey conducted by Beth Schapiro & Associates, a research firm based in Atlanta, was given to 1,050 public school teachers across the country. Of the teachers surveyed, only 18 percent gave their classroom an “A” for design, however, 92 percent of the teachers believe that classroom design has a strong impact on students’ learning and achievement.
Ninety-nine percent of the survey respondents believe that school design is important for creating a good learning environment in their classrooms, 89 percent believe it is important for teacher retention, and 79 percent believe it is important for student attendance. Since students and teachers spend most of their time in school, interior design is important for making their school experience a positive one.
Safety, comfort, lighting, and acoustics top the list of design features that the teachers surveyed believe impact the learning environment of their classrooms.
Comfortable seating and workspaces allow the teacher to expand the learning area and it also gives the students more flexibility around the room and a higher level of comfort. Natural light combined with artificial light can brighten a room and stimulate the teachers and students, whereas windowless classrooms that have only artificial light can cause eyestrain. Carpet can create a quiet environment with good acoustics.
In addition, 88 percent of the teachers surveyed believed that having attractive colors, textures and patterns on the floors and walls is a design element that impacts students’ learning and achievement.
For more information, visit The Carpet and Rug Institute and the International Interior Design Association Foundation.
