Memorandum submitted by GA Architects
GA Architects is a firm specialising in this
field. For many years, we have been closely involved in refurbishment
and new build projects for adults and children with special educational
needs. We have designed and delivered projects for children and
young people with autistic spectrum disorder, severe learning
difficulties and other areas of special needs, including physical
and mental disability. We have worked on both residential and
educational projects in assisting clients in terms of brief writing,
development planning and building design and construction. GA
Architects is currently working with Kent County Council as our
practice is on the panel of the special needs schools review.
One project is a refurbishment and new build at Rowhill, a school
for 96 children with learning and behavioural difficulties.
Due to this in-depth experience, we are acutely
aware of the impact of architecture and environmental design on
the learning abilities for people with special educational needs.
Furthermore, we understand how successful design helps people
with special educational needs raise their standard of achievement.
We are aware that this is not a specific issue
being investigated by the Committee, however, expect that the
area of architecture and learning environment will naturally arise
during the investigation. GA Architects would be willing to submit
oral evidence or the Committee to assist with the inquiry. Furthermore,
we would happily support the work of the Committee in alternative
ways, for example attending relevant meetings or sub-committees,
if it is felt that our experience would be of value.
September 2005
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