Social sustainability of primary school classrooms in New Zealand

Abstract

This report communicates the findings of how primary school classrooms in New Zealand are performing in terms of sustainability. It defines the three pillars of sustainability to be economic, ecological and social. Classrooms have traditionally been designed with an economic focus. However, to achieve classrooms that will sustain it is important that a balance between all three pillars of sustainability is achieved. To work towards achieving a sustainable balance this research focuses on the social aspect of sustainability. It identifies what the social requirements of primary school classroom are, assesses how classrooms have been found to be performing and discusses how architecture could contribute to achieving sustainable imperatives that have become increasingly important throughout the world.