Schools for children with learning difficulties, place very specific demands on designers.
Whilst broad guidelines exist to direct brief and layout arrangements, the particular needs and aspirations of each individual school, and each child within it, are paramount. We seek in our designs to create non-institutional buildings that are welcoming and have a caring and stimulating environment for children, staff and parents.
The number of children being diagnosed with autism continues to grow, and the most appropriate ways in which they are educated is under debate.
We are presently working with Barnardo’s on a new pre-school facility for autistic children in Belfast, this has involved us in considerable research in the field, the findings from which we are now introducing into a major new special school in County Cavan.
Broadening of children’s awareness of the importance of respecting their environment, is now commonly achieved through utilisation of bespoke designed outdoor education centres. We are presently extending and restructuring the southern board’s popular facility at Shannaghmore, located in the foothills of the Mournes.