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.
This month, we celebrate the intersection of craft and culture, a theme that resonates throughout the issue.
Objects to add a unique sense of playfulness and personality to your space
A Defining Moment for Saudi Innovation
A journey through sensory-driven design
Designed by Istanbul-based studio XYZ Design, this unique log house has been transformed into a full-time residence with soul
Melissa & Miller infuse artful vibrance into a French Colonial home
We take you inside a restaurant that hosts the world’s largest 3D-printed interiors
Here’s what to expect at the 63rd edition of the fair in Milan this year
A hybrid of traditional Asian elements merge with hyper - modern aesthetics at Dragonfly
identity will host an exclusive panel at the Porro exhibit during the 63rd edition of the international fair
Italian craftsmanship meets contemporary sophistication in a harmonious blend of form, function and luxury