Constructing and renovating schools

Schools are built, renovated and expanded according to the needs and resources. The objective is a cosy, functional, healthy and safe school environment.

In the planning of school premises, whether a new school is built or an old school renovated or expanded, special attention is paid to the following factors: feasibility of the premises for learning and teaching from the pedagogical and functional point of view. The premises need to be safe and suitable for the disabled, the rooms flexible for different purposes, easily adjustable and multifunctional. This goes for the planning of school yards as well.

Rooms for group work and new technology

As learning concepts and teaching methods change and societal changes create new needs, school premises, too, need to be adjustable. The classrooms can be used by groups of different sizes. Teaching is nowadays often organised in small groups. In addition to classrooms, instruction can be given in school vestibules.

Group work is a widespread way of learning in class. Instruction can also be differentiated by placing some pupils or part of the group outside the classroom to work on other types of tasks than those that are being handled in the classroom. Additionally, instruction in the mother tongue and in different religions is given in small groups.

ICT technology and audiovisual equipment used in teaching develop at an enormous pace. New technology and virtual teaching methods open up new dimensions from the viewpoint of school premises, too. All classes can be equipped with computers and the teachers can thus use a data projector as a teaching tool.

Use after school hours

Schools are often used as centres for different kinds of activities and events in the evenings, on weekends and during holidays. For instance, the premises for physical education are often used by other members of the municipality, as are the premises for technical and textile crafts and the visual arts. School buildings are designed and built to meet the requirements of multipurpose use.

Mobile classrooms

Mobile classrooms can be the solution for space-related problems. Temporary additional capacity is needed, for instance, when the school premises are being renovated. Mobile classrooms can also alleviate the shortage of space in some areas of the municipality.

Investment programmes

Schools are constructed and renovated according to a long-term investment programme for school premises. On the basis of this investment programme, proposals are made concerning the City’s budget and construction programme for the following years.

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