Program Development

• Classroom
The area of 50-60 square meters for a classroom is calculated based on the number of students, the size of the furniture, and the
necessary circulation space. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Student Number: Assuming the classroom is designed for 20-25 students, each student requires an average of 1.8 to 2.3 square
meters (including the space for seating and movement). This is based on educational space standards which recommend
approximately 25 square feet (about 2.3 square meters) per student for a classroom of 16-25 students.
2. Furniture Size: Classroom furniture includes student desks, chairs, and the teacher’s desk. Each student desk typically requires
about 0.6 square meters, and the teacher’s area may require up to 2 square meters.
3. Circulation Space: Circulation refers to the space needed for students and teachers to move around comfortably. This includes
aisles between desks, space around the perimeter of the room, and areas near doors and windows. A general rule is that
circulation should account for about 20-30% of the total classroom area.

• Common Areas: For 50 students, with an average of 1.2 sqm per student for furniture and a circulation multiplier of 35%, the total
area is 81.0 sqm.
• Laboratories and Workshops: For 25 students, with an average of 2.5 sqm per student for furniture and a circulation multiplier of
35%, the total area is 84.375 sqm.
• Library and Media Center: For 30 students, with an average of 2.0 sqm per student for furniture and a circulation multiplier of 35%,
the total area is 81.0 sqm.
• Cafeteria and Dining Area: For 50 students, with an average of 1.2 sqm per student for furniture and a circulation multiplier of 35%,
the total area is 81.0 sqm.
• Sports and Recreation: For 30 students, with an average of 2.5 sqm per student for furniture and a circulation multiplier of 35%, the
total area is 101.25 sqm.
• Art and Music Rooms: For 20 students, with an average of 2.5 sqm per student for furniture and a circulation multiplier of 35%, the
total area is 67.5 sqm.

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AREA SIZE (SQM) DETAILS JUSTIFICATION

CLASSROOM 50-60 Accommodates 20-25 students, child-sized Based on 2.5 sqm per student and
SPACES flexible furniture, open-plan with movable Montessori principles for flexible
partitions learning environments

COMMON AREAS 100-150 Multipurpose spaces with soft seating, areas Sized to accommodate larger groups,
for presentations and exhibitions fostering community interaction

LABORATORIES 75-100 Ample space for hands-on learning, Extra space for equipment and safe
AND WORKSHOPS adjustable workstations, storage for movement around workstations
materials and tools

LIBRARY AND 150-200 Zones for reading, research, multimedia Accounts for shelving, reading areas,
MEDIA CENTER activities, comfortable seating areas and technology stations

ADMINISTRATIVE 10-15 per Includes reception, staff offices, meeting Sized for efficient operation and
OFFICES office rooms, and support spaces privacy

CAFETERIA AND 4-5 per Spacious dining experience, cafeteria with Ensures enough space for students to
DINING AREA student kitchen for teaching nutrition and cooking dine comfortably without
classes overcrowding

SPORTS AND Indoor gym Equipment for various physical activities, Scaled according to standard
RECREATION 400-500; promoting a healthy lifestyle dimensions for sports and activities
outdoor as
per available
space

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SPECIAL 20-30 Personalized learning environments with Smaller to maintain a low student-to-
EDUCATION specialized equipment and materials teacher ratio
ROOMS

ART AND MUSIC 50-75 Creative expression and movement, Extra space for equipment and free
ROOMS soundproofing and acoustical treatments for movement, acoustical considerations
music rooms

SAFETY AND - Secure entry points, surveillance systems, Integral to the overall design, ensuring
SECURITY emergency exits a safe learning environment

MAINTENANCE Adequate For maintenance of facilities and storage of To preserve functionality and
AND STORAGE space equipment aesthetics of educational facilities

OUTDOOR - Integration with natural surroundings, Encourages outdoor learning and

EMOTIONAL 30- 40 Areas dedicated to developing emotional Essential for holistic development, as
LEARNING SPACES intelligence, such as empathy and self- practiced in Montessori environments
regulation

NATURE AND 50- 100 Outdoor classrooms and gardens for Finnish schools emphasize learning
ENVIRONMENTAL environmental education through nature and outdoor activities
STUDIES

NUTRITION AND 30- 50 Kitchen classrooms and dining areas for Finnish schools provide free, nutritious
HEALTH teaching nutrition and healthy habits lunches and prioritize health education
EDUCATION

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COMMUNITY 40- 60 Spaces for parents and community Both systems value community
ENGAGEMENT members to engage with the school involvement and parental engagement
CENTERS in education, space for meetings and
community events

LANGUAGE AND 30-50 Dedicated spaces for learning languages Both Montessori and Finnish systems
CULTURAL and exploring different Ethiopians cultures encourage cultural awareness and
STUDIES multilingualism, space for language
materials and cultural items

Common Spaces
Indoor Common Spaces:

1. Multi-Functional Hall: A large space for assemblies, performances, and exhibitions that can be used by all institutions.
2. Library and Media Center: A central library with resources for all age groups, promoting a culture of reading and research.
3. Art Studios and Galleries: Areas for displaying and creating art, fostering creativity among students of all ages.

Outdoor Common Spaces:

1. Sports Complex: Fields and courts for various sports, accessible to all students, encouraging physical education and teamwork.
2. Playgrounds and Recreational Areas: Designed for different age groups, these areas promote play-based learning and physical
activity.
3. Gardens and Green Spaces: Areas for environmental education and relaxation, reflecting the Finnish emphasis on nature.
4. Amphitheaters and Outdoor Classrooms: Spaces for outdoor learning and community events, allowing education to extend
beyond the traditional classroom.
5. Walking and Biking Paths: Routes that connect different parts of the compound, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

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