Overview
In recent years the planning of schools estates, notably the Building Schools for the Future programme, was largely aimed at new build. The parlous state of public finances, the increasing need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and the drive to increase the number of independent academies are all pointing to a new focus on the refurbishment of existing buildings.
This booklet, produced by the British Council for School Environments (BCSE) looks at the opportunities for refurbishing existing schools under the three headings of refresh, refurbish and re-use
Refresh looks at the valuable contribution that good interior design and high quality furniture can make. Refurbishment focuses on major upgrading of building fabric and services as well as re-modeling of internal spaces, while re-use considers new functions for redundant buildings, whether it is breathing new life into old school buildings or converting existing offices or retail units into new schools.
This booklet is a free download by BSRIA for the BCSE.