THE TRANSFORMATION OF SCHOOL SPACE IN EUROPE AFTER WORLD WAR II

Author: Apostolos Karaoulas

ABSTRACT

The study of the role of school infrastructure in the educational process constitutes a critical field for understanding transformations in both education and European society. Beyond their physical nature, school facilities play a significant role in shaping the learning environment and the educational process itself. Following World War II, Europe faced the urgent need to restructure its educational systems, with school architecture emerging as a crucial factor in this endeavor. The architectural and technological innovations integrated into school buildings reflected the pedagogical theories of the time, which emphasized creativity, collaboration, and the development of critical thinking. The modern school space, through the combination of sustainability and innovative pedagogical practices, mirrors social progress and the values of the era, preparing students for the complex challenges of the modern world. The interaction between school space and the learning process demonstrates that education is not confined to the transmission of knowledge but is primarily an act of building values, fostering cooperation, and enabling social interaction. By examining the evolution of school infrastructure and its connection to educational policies, the article highlights the importance of school space design as a determining factor in enhancing learning, sociability, and students’ personal development.

Keywords: School innovation, school architecture, pedagogical theories, educational life, European education

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