Ergonomic analysis of secondary school classrooms, a qualitative comparison of schools in Naples and Recife

In contemporary educational systems, innovative learning environments require spatial rearrangements and the introduction of new tools such as cloud computing, tablets and smartphones, in addition to ergonomic spatial planning. Ergonomics of the Built Environment studies spatial adequacy for human activities and goes beyond technical issues by including users’ needs and expectations. Because users interact with the environment, poorly built projects may affect cognitive perception and organizational ergonomics. Applying ergonomic criteria to interior design may contribute to a better environment performance in terms of wellbeing and user satisfaction, because ergonomics methods strongly recommend user participation as a principle. This research was carried out in Naples, Italy and Recife, Brazil. It aims to analyze two secondary school environments, considering user characteristics, means of socialization and classrooms conditions. Guidelines were elaborated for new learning environment design, considering ergonomic recommendations, technological adequacies and user satisfaction.