Question

Consider this example. A celebrity is interested in building an environmentally-friendly school that focuses on science as a key field of study. He or she will be re-purposing a former building and has narrowed down the options to the following abandoned spaces:

Option 1: an old shopping mall on a major waterway
Option 2: a former bed and breakfast on top of a remote mountain
Option 3: an ageing grain silo on farmland
Option 4: a run-down steel mill just outside a large city.
In order to make the best decision, the celebrity would need to compare each location against the other to see which one has the best features, amenities and accessibility to meet the needs of the school’s vision and its students.

Think about Options 1–4. Pick two that you think would be most appropriate for an environmentally-friendly school. Now write a response that compares one against the other before making a decision on which of these two is better.

Answer 1

1 , 3

When comparing two options for an environmentally-friendly school, there are several factors to consider. In this case, let's compare Option 1 (an old shopping mall on a major waterway) with Option 3 (an ageing grain silo on farmland).

Step-by-step explanation:

1 - Location and Accessibility:

Option 1 is located on a major waterway, which could provide opportunities for educational activities related to marine life and water conservation. It may also offer convenient transportation options for students and staff. On the other hand, Option 3, being situated on farmland, may provide a peaceful and natural environment for learning, away from the noise and pollution of urban areas. However, it may be less accessible for students who rely on public transportation.

2 - Repurposing Potential:

When considering the environmental impact of repurposing, Option 3 may have an advantage. Converting an ageing grain silo into a school would involve minimal demolition and construction compared to repurposing a shopping mall. This could result in reduced waste generation and energy consumption during the renovation process.

3 - Environmental Footprint:

Option 1, being a former shopping mall, may require more energy and resources to convert into an environmentally-friendly school. It could involve retrofitting the building with energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels, and implementing sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting. However, if these modifications are successfully implemented, the school could serve as a model for sustainable urban development.

4 - Learning Opportunities:

Both options offer unique learning opportunities. Option 1, being near a major waterway, could facilitate studies on water ecosystems, pollution prevention, and conservation. Option 3, situated on farmland, could provide hands-on experience in agriculture, organic farming, and sustainable land management.

Considering these factors, it is difficult to definitively determine which option is better. The choice ultimately depends on the specific vision and needs of the environmentally-friendly school. The celebrity should carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option in terms of location, accessibility, repurposing potential, environmental footprint, and learning opportunities. By conducting a thorough evaluation, they can select the option that aligns most closely with their vision and sustainability goals for the school.