Copyright © 2025 Motivate Media Group. All rights reserved.
Ana Mombiedro, Neuroarchitect in Residence at Kidzink discusses how the discipline can evoke creativity in young minds
Most of us can recall the schools we attended during our childhood. We can recall the teachers who inspired us – and those who didn’t. We vivid remember the friendships, the lessons and the experiences that shaped us. For many of us, the classrooms themselves stand out as uninspiring spaces: stark, functional and far from engaging. These environments reflected austerity rather than creativity – a missed opportunity in the learning journey.
In education, the focus has traditionally been on teachers and peers as the primary forces shaping learning experiences. Yet, there is another powerful, often overlooked participant: the space itself. As a neuroarchitect specialising in education design, I focus on addressing this gap by championing the concept of space as the third teacher. This approach, grounded in science and design, elevates the environment’s role, transforming classrooms into dynamic, interactive spaces that actively enhance students’ well-being, creativity and engagement. Far from being passive backdrops, environments are extensions of our bodies and minds. Neuroscience tells us that learning thrives on interaction, and brain plasticity shows how habits and routines rewire our brains. When spaces are designed to support these interactions, they evolve into catalysts for personal and collective transformation.
So how can spaces become third teachers? To create environments that teach, design should embody these principles:
Flexible seating arrangements, adaptable layouts and spaces that encourage movement foster a sense of ownership and promote self-directed learning. Environments that empower students by offering choices cultivate confidence and independence.
Classrooms designed for group projects, social interaction and teamwork prepare students for real-world scenarios. These spaces nurture essential skills such as communication and collaboration, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Ito and Yokoyama’s research demonstrates how open-plan classrooms improve focus compared to traditional layouts. An open-plan classroom acts as a versatile canvas, adapting to the evolving needs of educators and learners.
Visually engaging, organised spaces spark curiosity and inspire creative thinking. Displaying materials in an inviting way fosters a culture of exploration and innovation.
Natural light, ergonomic furniture, good air quality and optimised acoustics reduce stress and improve focus. When these elements come together, they create a nurturing environment that supports students’ emotional, mental and physical health.
Research by Vartanian et al. highlights the calming effects of curved forms in interior design, while views of nature – whether greenery, water or open skies – enhance mental health and provide a sense of place. Roger Ulrich’s landmark ‘View from a Window’ study underscores the restorative power of natural elements in improving well-being.
As education evolves, the role of the environment as the third teacher is becoming increasingly evident. Thoughtfully designed spaces are no longer passive settings; they are active participants in the learning process. When classrooms are crafted with intention, they unlock boundless potential for students to engage, explore and grow. By placing equal emphasis on teaching method, people and place, we can reimagine learning environments as transformative tools – not just for education but for shaping the individuals within them, and the communities they form.
Read more features here.
A bespoke, cultural and spiritual adventure awaits in the remote, magical Kingdom of Mustang with the all-inclusive Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection hotel
Casamia & Mustard & Linen host a cultural exchange celebrating Emirati Women’s Day
A family home in Almaty, Kazakhstan blends modern architecture, bespoke craftsmanship and global design icons
Mohamad Chehab, the general manager of Trend Group Middle East talks about the group's involvement in the Red Sea Projects
APE Grupo brings Spanish expertise to the Middle East with a flagship showroom designed for visionaries
Influenced by Art Deco design, Supreme by TREDEX now features a striking Matt Bourbon finish
Our cover features Gaggenau, a brand that embodies design for the truly discerning.
Sarita Handa and Kristina Zanic Consultants announce the launch of DEEBAJ, a special-edition textile collection that reinterprets the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia through the artistry of Indian craftsmanship.
Inspired by the philosophy of GABA tea, fermented without air or light, Studio Meshary AlNassar translated this concept into an interior that is hidden, intimate, and layered with sensory detail.
ClayArk opens an expanded showroom showcasing their expansion into sanitary ware
California sunshine and French country charm meet in this 510-square metre house with a dream pool cabana and peaceful garden
Nature-inspired meets future-ready for these sustainable pieces