International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development ISSN:2093-761X(Print) 2093-7628(Online)

The main aim of this paper is to reveal the importance of outdoor spaces in a school and so to classify different types of transitional spaces with case studies of school design guidelines. Outdoor spaces are one of the typical school features that are different in function to the rest of the building, catering for physical education. Adjacent areas are normally the immediate boundary areas of the school buildings; these are often green areas for planting or where benches are provided as resting places. This area can also be used as a circulation area or as extended classrooms if enclosed by fences or trees. The different types of transitional spaces can be defined by the relationship between buildings and outdoor spaces. An outdoor space can be enclosed and include walls, roofs and floor but at least one side should be exposed to the outside air. Depending on the form of enclosure and layout, they can be categorised into four basic types: attached, recessed and enclosed as well as in-between types. The case studies show the ways in which architects have tried to connect outdoor spaces with the indoor buildings thus promoting the use of external spaces as a part of school activities and also enhancing the school aesthetics.