If you’ve ever sat at a rigid, fixed desk and chair for any length of time you know how uncomfortable this unforgiving setup can be. Whether a student trying to learn and engage in a classroom, or an employee expected to be productive and creative at work, natural body comfort and alignment is closely tied with how well we feel and perform.

In fact, study after study confirms we know intrinsically that our physical surroundings — from the chair we sit in to the air temperature in a room — make a difference. Energy levels, the ability to focus, and even rates of absenteeism are all linked to our physical surroundings.

6 Stages of Human Development That Inspire Design Strategies

Although the nature of work, school, and how we take care of ourselves is changing, we humans — whether as children or adults — continue to spend a significant amount of time together in a physical place, such as an office building, school, or health facility.

What impact do these spaces have on our engagement and well-being? And how can we create environments that encourage greater interconnection and productivity?

6 Design Tips For The Humble Teachers’ Lounge

The teachers’ lounge should be a precious sanctuary, a small safe harbor from a storm of taking care of students’ needs, assuaging parental concerns, and being responsible for keeping everyone in line and on task.  Here are 6 design tips for the teachers' lounge that will make the most of the space by turning it into a true refuge, a place where teachers can escape the oftentimes chaotic world of the classroom, and recenter their minds, hearts, and even their souls.

5 Colors In The Classroom That Will Boost Active Learning

Colors in the classroom environment have been proven to maximize information retention, stimulate participation, and boost active learning. But what colors are the best to achieve these results for active learning? The key to creating an environment conducive to student learning in a classroom is to put learners at ease, avoiding overstimulation.

How a 21st Century Classroom Design Can Promote the 4 C's of Learning

Classroom design is a powerful tool in your arsenal for improving levels of student interaction and engagement. Active learning improves retention of knowledge by promoting the four C's of learning: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.

Taking The School Library From “Brick and Mortar” to “Click and Mortar”

Learning Commons

Did you know many schools are no longer calling the library a library? Nowadays it’s becoming more prevalent to call this multi-use space a “learning commons” or “media center” or “technology hub.”

"The more you know about the past, the better you are prepared for the future." - Theodore Roosevelt

All Eyes on Thee - Achieve and Maintain Your Students' Attention

Attention span and focus - how do we set up our classrooms for students to feel focused and engaged? This can particularly be a problem in hands-off style classes like History or Social Studies. How do we connect with each one of our students while fostering a sense of community? Here are a couple ideas to maximize time and space in the classroom while getting the most focus from each of your students.

Room for Fun! Designing your Classroom for Younger Children

"Play. It brings joy. It is within this context that learning can occur." - Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

Early childhood environments should foster both fun and safety; a place where we balance freedom of expression with fundamentals of good behavior. Here are some suggestions on how to give students room to play and room to focus:

"Science is a way of thinking, much more than it is a body of knowledge." - Carl Sagan

The Science Lab - Explore & Discover!