Students at Simone-Veil Elementary School in Tremblay-en-France don't just take off their coats when entering the classroom. They also exchange their sneakers for soft slippers as part of an innovative school design that has earned recognition as France's architectural equivalent of the prestigious Goncourt Prize.
The unique approach reflects a comprehensive philosophy centered on student and staff wellbeing. "Everything has been designed for the wellbeing of children and adults," explained Guillaume Deniau, the school's principal. This attention to comfort and functionality has made the institution a standout example of what educational environments can achieve when thoughtfully planned.
The school's physical layout demonstrates this commitment to creating an ideal learning environment. All eight classrooms boast generous 80-square-meter spaces, significantly exceeding the French Ministry of Education's minimum recommended size of 60 square meters. This extra space allows for more flexible learning arrangements and reduces the cramped feeling often associated with traditional classrooms.
A distinctive feature of the school's design is its central corridor system, affectionately nicknamed "the street" by students and staff. This wide, singular hallway serves as the main artery connecting all classrooms, creating a sense of community while maintaining easy navigation throughout the building. The design promotes both efficiency and social interaction among the school community.
The recognition as winner of architecture's "Goncourt Prize" highlights how the Simone-Veil school represents a new standard for educational facility design. By prioritizing comfort, space, and thoughtful details like the slipper policy and noise-reducing elements, the school demonstrates how architecture can directly support learning outcomes and overall school experience.
