A new body is to be launched for those involved in the design and construction of educational buildings. The British Council for School Environments (BCSE) is a membership organisation made up of local authorities, schools, construction companies, architects, consultants and others and will act as a forum for discussion and debate on educational environments.

"There is a lot of work going on in the field of learning environments," says Ty Goddard, managing director of School Works which, with the Rayne Foundation, has set up BCSE. "The work is so diverse and comes from such a wide range of institutions and organisations that it is in danger of getting lost. The BCSE will act as a focal point to ensure that existing research in the UK, and internationally, is gathered."

Through information exchange between members, BCSE will aim to identify knowledge gaps and commission research to fill them. It will publish best practice guides so that research knowledge can be implemented on the ground and will work directly with members to ensure this actually happens.

The BCSE will be launched on 19 June. Founding members include architects Feilden Clegg Bradley and Ryder HKS, contractors Wates and cost consultants Davis Langdon. Anyone interested should call Beth Gladstone at School Works on 020 7785 6289 or email bcse@school-works.org

Aims of the BCSE

  • To support its members in developing innovative learning environments
  • Bridge gaps between the world of design and construction and that of education and other providers
  • Identify knowledge gaps, commission research and publish best practice guides
  • Provide mechanisms for the sharing of experience so good practice and innovation can be shared and ensure mistakes are not repeated
  • A not-for-profit trading arm to deliver facilitation and training
  • Lobby government to listen to those working in the field.

Source

Building Sustainable Design