A review of the evolution of flexible learning environments in Australia: For a better match of primary school design and IEQ

Abstract

Over the last decades Flexible Learning Environments (FLEs) arose as an enabler of a student-centric approach to teaching and learning. Despite its penetration in the Australian public school sector, the interior design of FLEs hasn't been sufficiently investigated when it comes to Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) conditions provided within its open-plan configuration. FLEs' design typology creates the challenge of providing IEQ conditions that work for different zones used simultaneously by the mobile student population. In addition, current guidelines used in Australia are based on the traditional classroom with little, if at all, adaptations to FLEs' open-plan configuration and activity..