Date/Time: November 5, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Room: SKAGIT 4

Abstract: Safety in schools extends beyond physical measures; it encompasses emotional security and a supportive environment for students and educators alike. This session, “Building Safety Inside and Out: Design Strategies for Physical and Emotional Security in Schools,” will explore the interplay between architectural and design strategies and trauma-informed practices to create holistic learning spaces. Participants will gain insights into integrating physical safety measures with design elements that foster emotional well-being, transparency, and flexibility. Drawing on real-world project examples, the presenters—an architect and an educator—will share practical, actionable approaches to balancing safety and openness. The session will include interactive elements to engage attendees and highlight innovative strategies that address the evolving needs of educational environments. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify best practices for enhancing physical safety in schools that address the unique challenges of the modern world, including technology integration and spatial planning.
2. Understand key trauma-informed design elements that create environments fostering emotional well-being and positively impact students and educators.
3. Analyze real-world design strategies from case studies that effectively balance physical security with emotional support and openness.
4. Develop an actionable design plan that incorporates holistic safety principles, ensuring both physical and emotional security in future school projects.