Sustainable schools for better and healthier learning

Oppimaisema organised an inspiring excursion to Belgium for architects and school design professionals, exploring five thoughtfully designed and pedagogically forward-thinking schools over the course of three days.

Our first destination, BuBaO Sint-Lievenspoort in Ghent, was particularly impressive. A neo-Gothic monastery has been beautifully renovated into a special needs school for autistic, deaf, and blind students. The building breathes history while offering a bright, elegant, and functional learning environment. The former chapel now serves as a gym, and the inner courtyard has been transformed into a green space—creating a calm and inclusive learning landscape.

Next, we visited De Vonk, a passive school located by the English Channel in Knokke-Heist. This charming building is a prime example of energy efficiency (< 15 kWh/m²/year) and creatively integrates sustainable architecture with pedagogy. The school’s expansive gardens are cultivated by the pupils and even contribute to school meals. Every classroom opens up directly to the outdoors through cleverly designed stepped terraces—seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

GBS De Springplank in Glabbeek delighted us with its compact yet ingenious layout. A transparent ground floor and a floating upper volume form a sheltered outdoor space, while the school's communal learning areas (shared learning spaces) effectively support co-teaching and versatile pedagogical approaches.

Our fourth stop, De Kriek in Schaarbeek, was designed to encourage calm and community-based learning. Rounded forms, a minimalist yet warm interior, and rooftop playgrounds created a balanced, inviting environment that supports learning without sensory overload.

The tour concluded in the multicultural district of Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, where Ket & Co School is located. The building is designed to facilitate co-teaching: nearly all spaces are flexible and easily divisible with curtains. Teachers especially highlighted the importance of good acoustics and adaptable environments. A rooftop garden, maintained by the pupils, adds an ecological and hands-on learning dimension to everyday school life.

Key takeaways from the excursion:

• Bright and transparent learning spaces

• Passionate and committed school leaders and teachers

• Small, pedagogically intentional group sizes

• Seamless synergy between furniture and architecture

• Versatile use of wood as a sustainable material