Renovating outdoor space of public schools in Hanoi towards green building criteria

Abstract

Developing outdoor spaces of schools towards green building criteria not only provides better learning and recreational conditions for pupils but also educates young generation about environmental conservation andsustainable development. In addition to new construction, renovation of existing outdoor spaces can expeditethe realization of these values while optimizing resource use. This paper explores the potential of outdoorlandscapes in public schools, ranging from primary to high school levels in Hanoi, with a particular focus onschools in need of renovation. The aim is to harness this potential to meet the increasingly urgent demands forgreen development. Contributing to this direction, the paper applied inheritance method to synthesis publishedresearch findings and applied observational methods to assess the current situation of outdoor spaces at publicschools in Hanoi, which served as the basis for identifying research issues. Practical experiences were analyzedand summarized in this paper to propose suitable solutions. Throughout the research process, three main greenbuilding criteria were identified: natural cooling and lighting; outdoor air quality and vegetation; sustainablewater and stormwater management. Together with this result, analyzing the actual investigation data of Hanoipublic schools helps the research team identify the renovation requirements. To meet these requirements andalign the three main green building criteria, four solution groups were proposed for typical cases: sunshadeenhancements, vegetation improvements and upgrades, drainage systems enhancements and water reuse, andsolutions to reduce the urban heat island effect.