How Can Physical Spaces Support Deep Learning and Students’ Diverse Needs?
At the American School of Barcelona (ASB), 140 teachers and leaders explored the learning environment as the “third teacher” in an engaging kick-off to the school year. With a strong focus on deep learning, inclusive and caring spaces, and thriving communities, the school aims for its physical environments to reflect these values.
Lene started the day with an inspiring keynote and interactive collaboration exercises, followed by an analysis of inspiring learning spaces from other schools.
This set the stage for the workshop’s major creative, hands-on session, where teams developed prototypes of ideal learning spaces—filling an entire sports hall with innovative ideas. The process highlighted the need for more flexible organization, student choice, and, most importantly, aesthetically enriching and nature-infused environments. The day ended with team reflections on how to bring these ideas into their own spaces.

The following day, we zoomed in on the elementary school: What challenges do the current physical spaces present? How can we rethink their use? How can small adjustments create more supportive and meaningful environments for both students and teachers?
Throughout the school year, we will support different teams in turning these insights into concrete adjustments and experimental actions in their learning spaces.