Towards Sustainable Schools: Applying New European Bauhaus Principles in Banda Aceh’s Educational Infrastructure

This study assesses the extent to which existing school buildings in Banda Aceh align with the New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles of Sustainability, Inclusiveness, and Beauty. While large-scale reconstruction after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami restored access to education, many schools built in the post-recovery phase prioritized speed and basic functionality, with limited consideration for long-term sustainability, cultural relevance, and community integration. Using a tailored assessment framework, the study evaluates energy efficiency, sustainable materials, community engagement, accessibility, and aesthetic quality. The findings reveal significant gaps, particularly in renewable energy adoption, inclusive community spaces, and the integration of local cultural identity. The overall compliance with NEB principles is modest, with Sustainability at 46%, Inclusiveness at 48%, and Beauty at 38%. The results underscore the need to retrofit existing schools and update design practices to fully integrate NEB values, ensuring safer, more resilient, and inspiring educational environments in disaster-prone contexts.