Constructing the Future: Trends and Tips for School Building in Florida
As with commercial and domestic properties, schools in Florida continue to build out at a frenetic pace. In part to cater for future growth in student numbers and to relieve the pressure on existing schools. Among the latest is Wellen Park High School, set to open in August 2026.
It follows some of the latest general and school-specific trends for the state, with energy efficiency and security high on the agenda for construction firms, stakeholders and consortia.
Creating Spaces for Flexible Learning
Whatever the political landscape around education, the future of schools is broadly focused on the provision of flexible learning systems and spaces to cater for increasingly diverse student bodies.
Construction projects need to focus on spaces that can flex in response to changing educational demands and student needs. Gone are the traditional classroom layouts, with students learning in more adaptable spaces, not dissimilar to modern offices with private spaces for focused learning, and open plan areas for group education and new engaging teaching methods.
Focus on Energy Efficiency
As with all modern buildings, constructors need to deliver on energy efficiency goals, typically driven by Florida’s plentiful sunshine and the need to conserve water. Infrastructure and ancillary services around these goals can see both stock and creative projects, both in design and functional terms, to meet these needs.
Turnkey solar projects for schools are available for contractors, while water projects need to be integrated into design and build processes to ensure the maximum amount of water capture, recycling and reuse.
Internally, energy efficiency HVAC and lighting systems will play a part in any Florida construction. Smart lighting can help provide an appropriate atmosphere for learning, especially in elementary schools, a modern trend.
Safety and Security Remain Key
Every school design must consider faculty and student safety in these increasingly troubled times. From entrance scanning technology to smart CCTV, school designs should take a high-threat approach to safety.
Designs must incorporate safe spaces, anti-intruder measures, and ways to secure classrooms during threat situations. And to project harmony among students, detectors can help prevent smoking, vaping, anti-social disorder at the lower end of disruption, all the way up to gunshot detection to help provide alerts and information.
Focus on Future Learning Technology
Many school learning systems have already migrated from clunky desktop PCs, to laptops, to tablets and smartphones. Construction and fit-out for future schools will need to address further evolution of technology for students by 2030.
For a start, hybrid learning will be more common, requiring the use of high-bandwidth streaming to present lessons and lectures to maintain student engagement. Schools will also use mixed reality to present classes, say on ancient history, with an in-situ tour of ancient Mexico or Rome.
And as schools become more world-of-work focused, they will increasingly see businesses visiting schools with their own technology and machinery that will need safe and spacious locations for demonstrations.
Tips for School Building Design and Construction
Take a modular approach to design, one that enables schools to change as their class sizes and the use of educational technology evolve.
Build in sustainability from the first designs. Don’t leave it as an afterthought. Plan to use materials and systems that minimize both construction and final use environmental impact. Consider adopting green building technology and certifications to highlight an end-to-end commitment to sustainability.
Prioritize classroom safety from simple features like locking and weapon-proof doors, to bullet-proof blinds. First responders should also consult on designs to highlight potential weak spots, choke points and other potential issues. Secure the perimeter with innovative access solutions and secure visitor systems, using smart CCTV and sensors to promote good behavior and to take early action against any disruption.
Embrace the use of educational technology: Design schools with the infrastructure to support advanced educational technologies, from cutting-edge bandwidth, WiFi and accessible screens to interactive learning tools. As a lifespan effort, this will help attract students from opening into the decades ahead.
Spare a thought for the green and simple things. While it is easy and attractive for designers and contractors to focus on technology and smart solutions, every school should maintain a green space (not astroturf) and garden. These encourage students’ interest in nature, provide an ability for them to learn about where groceries come from, and offer a more holistic environment for some classes and students uncomfortable with typical learning environments.
Take an aesthetic approach to design. Schools do not need to look like cookie-cutter environments, and bright designs, calming learning zones and other design ideas can help them stand out and provide a positive environment for students.
Any or all of these ideas should play a key part in learning facility design, from the smallest of schools to multi-campus grand designs.
