Beyond the Box: Reimagining Learning Environments

“We live in a new world where education, neuro science and classroom instruction are joined.”(Dr Stephen Rushton 2012, Exchange). Hence, it is important to design learning spaces to help education become truly the development of the mind, body, and soul. It is important to break the monotonous image of traditional schools and bring in a more contemporary and scientific image of an educational environment. It is time to fold away the ‘box’ that we call classrooms and unfold a new age space with sensible material, comfortable seating and an infusion of color inspirations and motivational designs.

Isn’t it sad that we expect our students to be creative thinkers but the environments that they are cooped up in for study stifle their creativity? One of the biggest influences on the child’s thought process is the typology of their immediate surroundings. Thus, the architecture and interior design of a school play a crucial role in developing and defining a child’s concepts. Brain expert, Eric Jensen writes, ‘Brain – friendly learning environments strengthen neural connections and aid long- term memory, planning and motivation. To be brain – friendly, they need to be places that are comfortable and aesthetically engaging.’

Foundations of a Brain-Friendly Classroom

Eric Jensen notes that brain-friendly learning environments strengthen neural connections while aiding long-term memory, planning, and motivation. These spaces must be comfortable and aesthetically engaging. To truly nurture our students, we must design classrooms that enhance the foundations of brain development: Attention, Processing, Memory, and Retention.

1. Colour and Cognitive Function

Colours affect our emotions, behaviour, and cognition.

• Yellow, beige, and off-white are considered optimal for learning.

• Red, orange, and yellow spark energy and creativity.

• It is time to move away from dull whites, greys, and browns toward colors that actively stimulate alertness and memory.

2. Olfaction and Air Quality

The "neuroscience of smell" (olfaction) influences moods, anxiety levels, fear, and even hunger. 

• Mental Alertness: Peppermint, basil, lemon, cinnamon, and rosemary can enhance focus.

• Relaxation: Lavender, chamomile, orange, and rose help calm nerves.

• The Challenge: Unpleasant odours- often found near school toilets or in classrooms after snack time- inhibit learning. Utilizing automatic aroma diffusers can help maintain a productive learning atmosphere.

3. Temperature and Ventilation

Optimal temperature is essential for a stable learning environment. A rise of only 1 or 2 degrees Celsius above normal can disturb brain functions. Classrooms should be maintained between 25 to 27 degrees Celsius through cross-ventilation and the use of curtains during peak sunlight.

4. Acoustics and Sound

The brain processes approximately 20,000 bits of auditory stimuli every second. If students must strain to hear a teacher over background noise, their attention and reading performance suffer. Furthermore, high noise levels can increase a child's blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels. Walls and structures should be designed to minimize external interference and allow sound to travel clearly without the teacher needing to raise their voice.

5. Natural Light and Oxygen

Natural light is vital for synthesized Vitamin D, which aids mineral absorption. Conversely, fluorescent lights can increase cortisol levels, potentially suppressing the immune system. Low light causes eye strain and leads to behavioural and concentration issues.

A steady flow of oxygen keeps the brain alert and focused. Including four to eight indoor plants per room can filter toxins and increase oxygenation while connecting children to nature.

6. Corridors and Transitions

Ninety percent of the brain’s sensory input is visual, and it is naturally biased toward high contrast and novelty. Traditional dingy hallways should be transformed into "repositories of information and social interaction". By using flat surfaces on doors and partitions for student work, we allow students to influence their environment and showcase their achievements.

7. Ergonomics 

Since children spend 6 to 7 hours a day on school furniture, poor design can lead to back pain, headaches, and posture issues.

• The 90-90-90 Rule: Aim for 90-degree angles at the hips, knees, and ankles with feet flat on the floor.

8. Creative Outdoor and Safety Standards

You don't need expensive structures to be effective. Using painted, disinfected discarded tires in shapes like snakes or dragons encourages "midline crossing" activities (creeping, crawling, and balancing) that improve left and right brain coordination.

Essential features include safety strips on door hinges, covered sharp edges, and see-through windows on doors. Most importantly, schools must be inclusive, incorporating ramps for wheelchair accessibility.

9. The Power of Flexible Seating

In modern schools, space is often limited, making versatile design and multi-use furniture essential. Neuroscience confirms that the brain is inherently social and learns most effectively through interaction with others. Cooperative learning has been identified as a key strategy for increasing student achievement, prompting a shift away from rigid, single-desk rows toward collaborative group seating.

Research led by Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic challenges the traditional necessity of desks. His "school of the future" prototypes encourage natural movement by incorporating:

• Standing Workstations: Allowing students to work while standing to increase engagement.

• Active Seating: Using stability balls instead of chairs to promote balance and focus.

• Varied Choices: Offering students options such as pillows, cushioned stools, beanbags, or carpeted areas.

  
  

Dr. Levine emphasizes that children have a natural love for learning when they are permitted to move freely and naturally.

Prioritizing Safety and Inclusivity

A well-designed school must prioritize the physical and emotional security of its students. Essential safety features include:

• Finger Guards: Safety strips on the hinge side of doors to prevent injuries.

• Edge Protection: Soft cover strips on the sharp edges of pillars and walls.

• Electrical Safety: Secure covers for all open plug points.

• Visibility: See-through windows on classroom doors to provide visual access and prevent children from being accidentally locked inside.

  
  

Furthermore, true inclusivity requires that the environment is accessible to everyone. Incorporating ramps alongside staircases is a fundamental requirement for students who use wheelchairs.

Final Thoughts

The human brain is an organ shaped by its environment. Because the brain is the primary engine for learning and memory, educators have a responsibility to design "brain-compatible" spaces that foster positive emotions. By replacing "brain-antagonistic" settings with friendly, dynamic environments, we ensure our students remain happy, motivated learners.