Designing Better Schools: Lessons from Our School Projects

We have been working on a number of school projects across Gauteng including additions of new classroom blocks, ablution facilities, guardhouses and improvements to existing campuses.

Although these may appear to be relatively simple buildings, school projects require careful planning. They are often constructed within active campuses, under tight budgets and with limited space, while the school must continue operating safely.

Designing Within an Existing School

Before designing, it is important to understand how the school currently functions. The position of existing buildings, movement of learners, access for construction vehicles, existing services and possibilities for future expansion can all influence where new facilities are placed.

Construction must also be planned to minimise disruption and keep learners and staff separated from building activities.

Site conditions are equally important. Some projects require specialist engineering solutions because of dolomitic ground, drainage challenges or existing underground services. Identifying these conditions early helps the professional team develop an appropriate design and avoid unnecessary changes during construction.

Working With Limited Budgets

School projects often have strict budgets, making clear documentation and cost control essential.

The lowest construction price does not necessarily offer the best value. Important work may have been excluded, misunderstood or inadequately priced, resulting in additional costs once construction begins.

Coordinated drawings, specifications and bills of quantities provide a clearer basis for comparing quotations, monitoring progress and managing changes. Materials should also be selected for durability, ease of maintenance, safety and availability—not only for their initial cost.

Safety, Accessibility and Compliance

School facilities must serve learners, staff and visitors with different needs. Accessible routes, ramps, doorways and sanitary facilities should therefore form part of the design from the beginning.

Natural lighting, ventilation, fire safety, sanitary provision and compliance with the National Building Regulations are equally important. Municipal approvals and any other required permissions must be obtained before construction proceeds.

These requirements are not simply administrative. They help ensure that the completed school environment is safe, inclusive and suitable for long-term use.

The Architect as Principal Agent

On some projects, the architect is also appointed as the Principal Agent. This is a separate and important responsibility that extends beyond preparing drawings and carrying out site inspections.

The Principal Agent administers the building contract on behalf of the client in accordance with the agreed contract. This may include:

• Coordinating the professional team

• Chairing and recording site meetings

• Issuing formal contract instructions

• Monitoring the construction programme

• Assessing progress with the quantity surveyor and other consultants

• Administering changes to the scope of work

• Issuing the relevant payment and completion certificates

• Recording delays, defects and other contractual matters

• Coordinating the process towards practical and final completion

The Principal Agent also helps maintain clear communication between the client, contractor and consultants. Instructions that affect the works should follow the agreed contractual process so that their implications for cost, time and quality can be properly assessed and recorded.

The Principal Agent does not take over the contractor’s responsibility for construction methods, site safety, workmanship or management of the contractor’s employees and subcontractors. The contractor remains responsible for carrying out the work in accordance with the contract.

This distinction is particularly important on school projects, where construction may take place within an operating campus and decisions sometimes need to be made quickly. A clearly administered contract helps protect the client, contractor and professional team while keeping the project accountable.

Creating Spaces That Support Education

The most rewarding part of working on school projects is seeing how a relatively modest intervention can improve the daily experience of learners and educators.

A new classroom can help reduce overcrowding. Improved ablutions can create a healthier and more dignified environment. Better planning can make the entire campus safer and easier to use.

At Qalo Design Architects, our aim is to create practical, compliant and durable educational spaces that respond to the immediate needs of each school while allowing for future growth.

If your school or organisation is considering new classrooms, additional facilities or improvements to an existing campus, involving the professional team early can help establish the requirements, identify site risks and develop a realistic route from the initial idea to completion.