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On 12-14 November 2008, the City of Guanajuato, Mexico, welcomed local and international experts to exchange knowledge and experience on the development of school buildings.
The Instituto Nacional de la Infraestructura Física Educativa (INIFED, Educational Facilities National Institute) hosted the “VII International Congress on the Development of Educational Spaces”. The presentations and workshops addressed design, flexibility, safety, social participation and new trends in the construction of school buildings. INIFED’s Director General, Eduardo Bravo Esqueda, called for more efforts to enhance the quality of learning spaces. And PEB shared examples of flexible school infrastructure from several countries.
The event produced the following conclusions:
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School designs should be flexible and multifunctional and allow for growth and interaction between spaces.
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Schools should be encouraged to recycle rainwater, reduce electricity consumption and seek alternative energy sources.
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The educational community should participate in school planning and be given a greater sense of ownership of their schools.
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Students and teachers should be involved not only at the design stage but also in subsequent facility performance appraisals.
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School buildings should be earthquake resistant, which requires reviewing and updating building regulations.
For more information, contact: Jaime G. de la Garza Reyna, INIFED, jdelagarza@dgp.com.mx.
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