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novation of outdoor school environment to ensure healthy environment for
pupils
Anja Jutraz 1, Andreja Kukec 2, Viviana Golja 3
1. National Institute of Public Health, anja.jutraz@nijz.si
2. National Institute of Public Health & University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, andreja.kukec@mf.uni-lj.si
3. National Institute of Public Health, viviana.golja@nijz.si
INTRODUCTION. Urban planning and public health are strongly associated and the literature indicates
that urban planners/architects usually do not collaborate with public health experts. The outdoor school
environment, an extension of the indoor learning environment, is designed for the most vulnerable
population, children, therefore special attention has to be paid to its design and renovation. A healthy
outdoor environment seeks high-quality outdoor air, make play areas supportive of physical development
and safe to use, protect children from ultraviolet radiation and other environmental factors (Wargo J,
2004) Different dimensions of renovation school environment have to be addressed: urban planning,
architecture and interior. Quality outdoor school environment influences different dimensions of health
and better school facilities can be a decisive factor for a healthy community (Alternmueller-Lewis, 2012).
AIM. The main aim of this paper is to prepare a recommendation for the renovation of the school
environment from an urban planning view.
METHODS. We conducted a comprehensive literature review, research on environmental and other
parameters, and development of a new renovation model for an outdoor school environment.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. First, environmental parameters will be explored (e.g., air quality), and
secondly, different elements of urban planning will be discussed: location, connectivity, accessibility,
choice of materials, the flexibility of use, use of materials, natural elements, design of playgrounds,
etc. The result of this paper presents a comprehensive plan for the renovation of the outdoor school
environment, with a focus on human health.
CONCLUSION. To conclude, a comprehensive approach is needed in the planning process of healthy
school buildings, which is based on interdisciplinary collaboration between different stakeholders, from
planners to users.
Keywords: public health, urban planning, outdoor school environment, air quality
Acknowledgement
Funded by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union; H2020 WIDESPREAD-2-
Teaming; #739574.
References
Altenmueller-Lewis U (2012) Schools as Catalysts for the Urban Environment. Conference: EAAE/ARCC Conference:
Cities in transformation - Research & Design. Milan, Italy.
Cosco N, C Moore R, Smith W (2014) Childcare Outdoor Renovation as a Built Environment Health Promotion Strategy:
Evaluating the Preventing Obesity by Design Intervention. American journal of health promotion: AJHP 28(sp3):
S27-S32.
Wargo J (2004) The physical school environment: An essential component of a health-promoting school. Yale
University, New Haven, Connecticut. WHO Information Series on School Health - Document No. 2, Geneva.
HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE RENOVATION WITH RENEWABLE MATERIALS
37
pupils
Anja Jutraz 1, Andreja Kukec 2, Viviana Golja 3
1. National Institute of Public Health, anja.jutraz@nijz.si
2. National Institute of Public Health & University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, andreja.kukec@mf.uni-lj.si
3. National Institute of Public Health, viviana.golja@nijz.si
INTRODUCTION. Urban planning and public health are strongly associated and the literature indicates
that urban planners/architects usually do not collaborate with public health experts. The outdoor school
environment, an extension of the indoor learning environment, is designed for the most vulnerable
population, children, therefore special attention has to be paid to its design and renovation. A healthy
outdoor environment seeks high-quality outdoor air, make play areas supportive of physical development
and safe to use, protect children from ultraviolet radiation and other environmental factors (Wargo J,
2004) Different dimensions of renovation school environment have to be addressed: urban planning,
architecture and interior. Quality outdoor school environment influences different dimensions of health
and better school facilities can be a decisive factor for a healthy community (Alternmueller-Lewis, 2012).
AIM. The main aim of this paper is to prepare a recommendation for the renovation of the school
environment from an urban planning view.
METHODS. We conducted a comprehensive literature review, research on environmental and other
parameters, and development of a new renovation model for an outdoor school environment.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. First, environmental parameters will be explored (e.g., air quality), and
secondly, different elements of urban planning will be discussed: location, connectivity, accessibility,
choice of materials, the flexibility of use, use of materials, natural elements, design of playgrounds,
etc. The result of this paper presents a comprehensive plan for the renovation of the outdoor school
environment, with a focus on human health.
CONCLUSION. To conclude, a comprehensive approach is needed in the planning process of healthy
school buildings, which is based on interdisciplinary collaboration between different stakeholders, from
planners to users.
Keywords: public health, urban planning, outdoor school environment, air quality
Acknowledgement
Funded by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union; H2020 WIDESPREAD-2-
Teaming; #739574.
References
Altenmueller-Lewis U (2012) Schools as Catalysts for the Urban Environment. Conference: EAAE/ARCC Conference:
Cities in transformation - Research & Design. Milan, Italy.
Cosco N, C Moore R, Smith W (2014) Childcare Outdoor Renovation as a Built Environment Health Promotion Strategy:
Evaluating the Preventing Obesity by Design Intervention. American journal of health promotion: AJHP 28(sp3):
S27-S32.
Wargo J (2004) The physical school environment: An essential component of a health-promoting school. Yale
University, New Haven, Connecticut. WHO Information Series on School Health - Document No. 2, Geneva.
HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE RENOVATION WITH RENEWABLE MATERIALS
37
