The architecture of inclusion: addressing segregation in Romania’s education system

Romania’s education system struggles with high levels of inequalities and segregation. These are also reflected in architecture, with poorer communities being more likely to access bad education facilities. Despite this, approaching education challenges from a spatial point of view remains rather marginal, both in research and policymaking. This paper looks at school buildings not merely as facilities, but as a result of social constructions and power relations. As such, they can be re-imagined to serve marginalised communities in building equity and inclusion. Indeed, previous research shows that high-quality architecture has a positive impact on attendance, student performance, teacher retention, creating a general climate of wellbeing. Based on several international case studies, our contribution opens the debate around what could be implemented in the Romanian context.