The Role Of Extracurricular Spaces In Promoting A Safe Environment And Reducing Violence In Schools -School Library As A Modal-

Abstract

The present study endeavors to elucidate the role of extracurricular spaces in schools, with a particular focus on the quality of the school library spaces as an architectural solution to reduce violence in educational settings. Adopting a descriptive and analytical approach, the study takes a qualitative focus on the quality of the architectural space and its impact on student behavior. The paper demonstrates how architectural design and the quality of the school library environment can promote positive behavior and reduce violence among students. In order to achieve this objective, a comprehensive examination of concepts and theories related to environmental psychology and behavioral architecture has been conducted. Moreover, it studies on violence in schools and their relationship with educational spaces. It is from this foundation that a theoretical framework was created, the aim of which was to establish a link between the quality of physical space and human behavior in general. The findings indicated that extracurricular spaces, such as the school library, when designed according to architectural standards that consider students' needs and address their psychological and social aspirations, have the potential to offer a secure and invigorating environment that mitigates stress and fosters positive interaction skills. Consequently, this contributes to the establishment of a secure school environment devoid of violence. The study concludes with recommendations and architectural design standards that contribute to activating the role of the school library as an extracurricular space that contributes to reducing violence in the school environment, and achieving protection for students.