ABSTRACT
The logistics and challenges around constructing schools in tight urban environments has as much to do with political drivers and funding requirements as it does with physical constraints. An assessment needs to be carried out at an early stage as it will likely impact on space requirements for car and cycle parking, as well as potential financial contributions to transport infrastructure improvements. Holding points away from the main school, or staggered starts, can solve space restrictions. Fire safety, means of escape, refuges, compartmentation, sprinklers, evacuation strategies, muster points and firefighting access may drive the design solution and must remain key drivers from inception to completion and into operation. Any phased handover provides an additional complication and schools need to be realistic about what this means for them in terms of space for learning during construction.
