DEMOS

The impact of good design on well being and productivity is acknowledged almost everywhere - except in our schools.

Joinedupdesignforschools was conceived by John and Frances Sorrell to change that view. This practical project shows how the intangible quality of good design can lead to tangible improvements in a school's performance, whilst inspiring new learning and creativity in pupils.

Half of Britain's schools need to be replaced at an estimated cost of £33 billion, according to government figures. The private finance initiative (PFI) may deliver some of the cash needed to rebuild our school buildings, but how should they function and look?

Using design in schools can improve the quality of life for students and staff, not just in terms of the built environment but also through better communications, individual uniforms, flexible furniture and a powerful sense of identity.

This report provides an insight into a process which can create a 'designed learning environment' to prepare young people for a world where creativity is vitally important.

This collaborative approach brought together pupils, teachers and design professionals from all over Britain. The projects range from a scheme to build a treehouse inside a classroom to enlisting one of the UK's leading menswear designers to rethink the school uniform. In each case, the pupils created a brief for their design consultant to deliver a real improvement to the life of a school through good design.

Design companies involved in Joinedupdesignforschools: Ben Kelly Design, Deepend, Elmwood, Fletcher Priest Architects, Graven Images, Interbrand, Paul Smith.