CONTEMPORARY SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS - PEDAGOGICAL QUALITIES OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

The paper examines the link between pedagogy and sustainable design, in the context of the school environment (building and outdoor space) in the 21st century. The analysis of the educational benefits of sustainable design touches upon three basic themes: physical and mental health, participation and social awareness and awareness about sustainability issues. The study is based on a considerable body of literature about the concept and practices of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), as well as on research about the positive impact of sustainable design on students' health and learning.In parallel, three notable examples of contemporary school environments are presented, putting emphasis on the sustainable design of each project and the pedagogical qualities of it:- Paul Chevallier, Municipality of Rillieux-la-Pape, Lyon, France, Tectoniques- Crete Innovative Bioclimatic European School Complex, Crete, Greece, Atelier3AM- Marin Country Day School, Corte Madera, California, USA, EHDDThe intention is to present eco – friendly school environments of high architectural aesthetic, that promote the core themes of sustainable development across the curriculum, the school design and management. The selected schools embody energy – efficient design principles (passive and active strategies) and cover a wide geographic range. The study indicates that sustainable school environments can enhance young people's well-being and learning, and encourage participation and social action. In addition, such environments engage young people in sustainable practices and cultivate notions of sustainability.