The flaws of the public educational system in this country have been an ongoing issue talked about for years. In January 8, 2002 President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act designed to provide states with incentives to help students further their academic standards, in hopes of contributing towards students growth and success in college. Despite laws of this nature, efforts to insure that each student have an equal opportunity in their educational upbringing continue and flaws in the educational persist. So how do we improve our school system, in a way that encourages students to attain a brighter future?
As an architecture student I am interested in looking at the impact architecture has had on academic success. For instance, I would like to explore what makes a successful public school within the urban fabric: spatially and aesthetically. How does it impact the way students are engaged in their daily lives and most importantly how does it contribute towards academic success.
I would like to compare and contrast how unsuccessful schools differ from ones that have well designed spaces. For example, a school that evokes an emotional feeling of depression, isolation and lack of security can not provide a healthy environment in which a child can learn. In order to further understand how architecture contributes towards educational success, I would like to start my research by taking a look at urban public schools within the Portland metro area. I hope to visit the public school system and interview school officials, thus giving me a better understanding of the issue at hand. I would like to take a look at the social issues that have been at the forefront of this topic.
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