Special reports aim to help architects in designing and planning of school science accommodation

Two free special reports providing comprehensive information for architects engaged in refurbishment or new builds of school science areas have been published by school science storage manufacturer Gratnells.

The publications are part of the company’s ‘Architects Connection’ programme launched last year. Reports, teaching materials and seminars planned within the project are focused on helping architects improve their design and specification of school science Prep Rooms and Science Labs.

Murray Hudson, Sales and Marketing Manager of Harlow-based Gratnells, stated that school science areas needed ‘specialist knowledge’ in order to create practical and safe environments. He said, ‘School science Prep Room and Science Lab design has changed little in the past six decades. But over the last few years, the role of science teaching in secondary schools has been a major focus of attention for all the leading science bodies. Unfortunately, lack of knowledge and experience in Science Lab and Prep Room design has created numerous working difficulties for science teachers and technicians alike. In the end, pupils’ science education suffers, not to mention the vast amounts of money wasted on unsuitable furnishings and fittings – and the sometimes serious health and safety consequences.’

The first special report focuses on Prep Room design. Significant coverage is given to guidance on where the Prep Room should be located and ways in which the preparation and storage areas are integrated into the floor plan. Examples are given of the four main Prep Room design options, using government guidelines on school science accommodation, and space allocation data are provided to meet required standards. Equipment recommendations are given for vital apparatus such as fume cupboards and the regulations surrounding installation. Science equipment storage is detailed and examples are given of the various frames, shelving and storage tray systems that are available from Gratnells.

The second report focuses on school Science Lab design. It draws on information from leading science organisations to cover the design and construction of Science Labs and features learning spaces and support for administration and refreshments. Recommendations for the installation of furniture, utility services, plus health and safety equipment are given, with associated photographs and drawings used as examples. Sight line diagrams emphasise the importance of where furniture should be located in order to provide optimum teacher/pupil interaction.

'School Science Laboratories and Prep Rooms are expensive investments and once built will remain in use for many years,’ says Murray. ‘We hope that by issuing these special reports it will help architects to build and specify science areas that will raise the standards of science accommodation.’

Science Prep Rooms in Secondary Schools: An introduction to Prep Room design for architects and designers and Science Labs in Secondary Schools: Recommended Science Lab standards for architects and designers are both available as free downloads from www.gratnells.com/PlanningDesign/Architects.aspx.

Printed copies may be requested by calling Gratnells on 01279 401550 or via email to trays@gratnells.co.uk .

 

For more information, contact Murray Hudson, Sales & Marketing Director, Gratnells Ltd
Tel: 01279 401550
Email: murrayh@gratnells.co.uk