Canopies and walkways are often seen as a nice-to-have add-on that isn’t of primary importance. However, schools that have installed them would probably tell you otherwise. These protective additions to buildings and outdoor spaces can be immensely helpful in a myriad of ways.
In the face of budget cuts and increasing demands on educational resources, teachers find themselves grappling with challenges. As staff shortages persist and class sizes grow larger, the result is a school environment that feels more crowded and stressful for students and educators alike. With limited indoor space, lunch breaks can become hectic, and students have less room to breathe and unwind. However, amid these struggles, there lies a potential solution that can alleviate some of these issues and breathe new life into the school environment: absorbing the outdoors into a usable space in any weather with the addition of a few strategically positioned walkways and canopies.
Embracing and optimising your school’s outdoor areas, with the help of canopies and walkways, can offer valuable relief, providing students and staff with extra space, new play and learning opportunities and a way to decompress in fresh air after hours spent sitting in a chair.
Here are some ways walkways and canopies can contribute to a stress-free and calming atmosphere.
Shelter from the Elements
Spending long stretches of time sitting in a chair and indoors can be a challenge to anyone – a grown-up or a child. Kids easily get restless and bored, often leading to misbehaviour. This can easily be solved by providing the children with some space to play and just get rid of some of their stored energy. Canopies provide shade from the harsh sun, protection from rain, and a shield from strong winds. They make creating a comfortable outdoor environment easy regardless of weather conditions. This means that your students can use the playground even if it’s pouring outside, and students and staff can enjoy spending time outdoors and engaging in outdoor activities or simply taking a break. Having a space like that should help everyone relax.
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Another fantastic reason to consider installing these sheltering structures around your building and yard is that canopies can be used as outdoor classrooms or learning spaces where students can connect with nature while participating in educational activities. Installing a canopy in the right places also means that you can create a brand-new classroom without having to do heavy construction and lay brick walls – it is quick and easy. Plus, it will be a classroom which allows you to be in the fresh air and surrounded by greenery, which can reduce stress levels and improve focus and concentration.
Safety and Comfort
Walkways ensure safe passage between different buildings and areas within the school grounds. When students and staff feel secure and confident in moving around the campus, it contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere.
Expanded Dining Hall Spaces
With class sizes increasing but often school premises staying exactly the same, we can see how dining halls are getting overcrowded, and space is becoming a premium. Crowded areas where some days you may struggle to find a seat sound like stressful places for kids and adults alike. Creating an additional dining hall space for lunch breaks by incorporating an outdoor area seamlessly into the halls is a wonderful way to provide students with extra space and a choice – where would they prefer to enjoy their meal, inside or outside? Canopies can be used to reduce the stress on dining halls and help everyone enjoy their food without worrying if they can find a table. This encourages a more leisurely and enjoyable lunchtime experience, promoting healthier eating habits and reducing the rush to finish meals.
Social Spaces
Additionally, canopies often provide natural demarcation of space and create different zones. This often makes them great places used as social gathering spots, allowing students and staff to interact in a relaxed and informal setting. These spaces foster a sense of community and belonging, promoting positive social interactions, reducing feelings of isolation and positively affecting mental well-being.
By incorporating canopies and walkways into the school environment, educational institutions can create spaces prioritising well-being, comfort, and relaxation. These elements contribute to a positive and calming atmosphere and enhance the overall educational experience for students and staff alike.
If you are looking for high-quality walkways for your school, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Shelter Store’s covered walkways and canopies cater for all budgets and needs whilst retaining the highest quality and standards. All of our covered walkways are made bespoke for you and can be finished in a wide range of colours and finishes, including powder coating and 316 stainless steel for that premium finish.