This session explores the potential that Modern Methods of Construction brings to the educational building sector, highlighting some of the recent success in delivering modular buildings. Low embodied carbon, high performance modern buildings which are delivered using innovative MMC building systems must prove themselves compliant with the full gamut of current building regulations and building standards. The panel will outline the complexities of modern building compliance regimes, the reasons behind such complexities and the value that we can all derive when MMC delivers permanent school buildings.

This session focuses on inclusive campus design and planning. It will explore how a multi school campus can be designed to maximise integration opportunities between mainstream and special schools. Inclusive and innovative urban design is at the core of these projects. We will hear about exemplar schools in the German speaking community of East Belgium where an inclusive education system has been implemented successfully for over 10 years. Special education is provided through integrated support within mainstream schools to promote inclusion.From relevant research, we will delve into an integrated campus project at design stages on Programme Innovate. The panel will discuss what it takes to design an integrated school campus, while managing interim expansion and complexities on a live school site and ultimately delivering the future inclusive vision. We will cover stakeholder engagement, relevant research, the operational realities and the conditions for success.

This session will outline how the Department of Education and Youth’s Forward Planning Unit identifies capacity and forecasts demand from across school planning areas, share insights from experienced post-primary principals on optimising school accommodation, and conclude with case studies that have improved capacity across two schools including the provision of special education needs accommodation.

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This session will embody policy, carbon, estate inventory management and student-led responses to climate change developing practical, creative solutions focused on sustainability and environmentally responsible living.

Phenomenology explores how people experience and interpret the world through lived experience. This session examines how high-quality, inclusive design and meaningful end-user engagement can shape school environments that support learning, well-being and a sense of belonging for everyone. Combining research with case studies, the session will demonstrate how inclusive, sensory-driven design leads to inspiring environments that empower learners and enhance the learning experience. Drawing on insights from recently completed projects, it will highlight innovative, inclusive approaches for supporting children with complex needs. New Special Educational Needs School, Letterkenny New Special Educational Needs School in Letterkeny by MGNÉ Architects (McGarry Ní Éanaigh). A new school building and campus to serve an established community of students with diverse special educational needs. It seeks to define what such a school should be, not just its function but also expression, atmosphere and character. Twenty-one classrooms are provided in three wings off a main corridor of shared assembly, administration, education, recreation, and therapeutic rooms; set within a landscape of sensory gardens, trails and amenity areas. Overview of the project from inception, through design development including research and consultation, to procurement, construction and completion.

This session shares research from Programme Innovate on how schools can be designed to stay adaptable, efficient, and resilient in the face of changing enrolment, limited sites, evolving pedagogy, and increasing construction costs. It explores practical strategies for future‑proofing, including planning for expansion, designing flexible structural and service systems, and using and modern construction methods, phased construction, and smarter procurement to transform the design and delivery of projects

Better buildings don’t just house learning — they shape it - We tend to view buildings as simple enclosures, but in education the environment acts as an unseen educator. When space is intentionally designed, it shapes behaviour, supports wellbeing, and lifts both motivation and attainment.

The panel will present examples of how projects are becoming more complex and demanding, requiring designs to be more innovative in their approach in delivery and design. The core to this success, is collaboration among all the stakeholders and the integration of Masterplans to the benefit of the wider community, particularly in Urban settings. We will discuss projects, both on a National and International context, including the design and construction of Fairwater Community Campus project in Wales by HLM architects; an ambitious project delivering net zero delivery school designs collocating multiuse schools for over 2000 students and staff in an all inclusive campus. We will also discuss the work undertaken, by architects, O`Donnell and Tuomey as part of Programme INNOVATE, who have developed design proposals for challenging Urban Sites, demonstrating innovative integrated educational environment utilising best urban design principles. This includes concurrent research undertaken as part of the programme and the conclusions applied to the design proposals for new campuses including Whitehall Educational Campus, Dublin.

Twenty new special schools have been established nationally in the past five years. Seventeen of these schools are under the patronage of the Local Education and Training Boards (ETBs). These new schools have been delivered at pace through adaptable re-use of existing buildings, co-location and optimising school capacity. This session explores how these schools come to fruition; quickly, economically and to high standards that meet the need of the students. Close collaboration between a dedicated DEY SEN Reconfiguration team, the NCSE, local stakeholders and experienced building professionals unlock solutions that are targeted and inclusive. Through case studies and end user feedback, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities, lessons learned and replicable ideas that could be implemented in any existing school to promote inclusion. Sensory input, physical structures, sounds, smells, furniture, all join dots , a collaboration of sensory experience. To look from the inside out, to explore divergent thinking, what can offer security or what may cause overwhelment. We can evolve together when we learn together to create a classroom.

This session will showcase the proven power of digital project delivery. Exploring how Scotland’s public sector is addressing the challenges faced by clients and building operators in managing estates and building information using robust, structured information management process aligned with international ISO standards. Demonstrating practical examples of projects using advanced digital construction, aligned with the Department of Education’s BIM mandated programme, ensuring accurate modelling, collaborative environments, and high-quality delivery.

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Details to follow