Call to Action: Post-session, attendees will be able to use evidence-based design strategies to inform design ideas and decision-making conversations with future stakeholders. The community will be propelled forward, equipped with information about the capacity for environments to support human flourishing and reinvigorated with the knowledge of the potential for design to impact human outcomes, thereby reinforcing the urgent need for stewards of educational space and experience design to center the impact on the whole learner, the whole educator in design decisions.

Abstract: Flourishing is framed as the ultimate, student-centered measure of success for education. Scientific studies bring evidence to bear on the question of how humans find meaning and enjoyment in their relationship to the world surrounding them. Our senses lay the groundwork for how and why experiencing certain places can offer pathways to amplify health and well-being. Through the lens of designing learning environments for young learners, this session connects evidence to practice, to consider the conditions under which students and school communities can flourish. How can our built learning environments support and build human strengths, enhance well-being, and nurture creativity? The urge to play exists in all of us and is critical to cognitive development and emotional wellbeing. Designing environments that support play, engender creativity, nourish the senses, and foster social connection is imperative to impacting the lives of students and educators for years to come. Places and spaces which inspire a sense of wonder for students and educators alike are urgently needed as our built environments have a cumulative effect on our brains, and our experiences. Educators, Learning Space Designers, and Researchers will share perspectives on spatial strategies and typologies that can lay the foundation for flourishing by making meaning and inspiring creativity. Join us to engage in open dialogue at the end to discuss bridging pedagogy and architectural practice to create places where children learn, grow, and flourish.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand key factors contributing to human flourishing.
2. Understand student success, connecting research on vital engagement, sensory design, and learning.
3. Identify spatial strategies, key priorities, and behaviors needed for learning and development in support of well-being.
4. Understand benefits of play, maker, active, and informal learning environments on young learners through case studies, lessons learned, best practices, and educator perspectives.