MHTN's Cecchini sounds like he's planning a camping trip as he colorfully describes the elements his firm employs to design schools: There are watering holes and caves and campfires and wayfinding tools.

The "watering hole" is a gathering space where students and teachers can socialize. It's a learning spot, too, because through those interactions, he says, children learn to work well with others.

At the "campfire," the experts — usually teachers — speak to students in an interactive setting.

Students go to the "cave" areas for private study moments to learn from themselves in a quiet setting. Cecchini says students need "impromptu" caves, as well as more formalized individual places to study.

And the wayfinding details move students through a building easily, especially important at an elementary school level. That, it turns out, reduces anxiety. Architects often do that through use of colors in the corridors — always nice and wide — or shapes. Gently curved corridors help, too. They're less intimidating than the old-school straight and narrow hallways.

And speaking of intimidation, did you know that red carpet makes grade-school kids anxious, even fearful? With older students, it sparks behavior problems and horsing around, says Crane.

"The trick to all this is to make a great design while doing all these functional aspects," says Cecchini.

Modern schools not only have lots of glass to let in that education-enhancing natural daylight, but also so students see others learning and for safety reasons. Contrary to old-school worries about distraction, studies show that being able to look outside during class helps students refresh their minds so they don't lose focus, he says.

Color is important

Many elementary schools use a primary color scheme, with blues, yellows and reds. As the students get older, the colors become more natural and muted. But their application is part science, as well. Certain colors energize and provide a sense of wellbeing.

Color schemes are also one of the more contentious areas in school design, with different members of committees rooting for their own favorites. It must not be whim-driven. While a color scheme can be annoying to architects, the experts say, it may actually be detrimental to students and learning.

A while back, Crane's firm gave students disposable cameras and asked them to take pictures of what they like and dislike about their school. "I've done schools for 30 years, and that was one of the most eye-opening things I've ever done." Another group was told to take photos of where they learn, who they learn from and where they sit when they learn.