How architecture and education influence each other

The term “knowledge culture” describes how we as a society handle information, how we acquire knowledge and share it. Our knowledge culture changed rapidly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and is becoming more and more digital. We no longer learn solely in classrooms and from books. Home-schooling, education on-demand and educational establishments that can guarantee nationwide access to the Internet are becoming the new normal. As it moves into the digital sphere, education is losing its elitist character. It is becoming easier and easier to acquire knowledge. Vast quantities of information that the general population can access are being generated every day in decentralised structures such as the Internet.

This is triggering a transformation of our knowledge culture. Our attention is increasingly focusing on how we handle the flood of information and the ability to organise sources, data and knowledge. Forms of learning such as traditional front-of-class teaching are becoming less relevant. They are being replaced by new approaches like lifelong learning, free creativity and collaboration both in educational establishments and in the world of work. But in order to integrate these new learning approaches into the worlds of education and work, the existing spatial structures need to change.

One development within the knowledge culture cosmos is the merging of architecture and education, otherwise known as “edutecture”. With its new interior concepts, edutecture is creating the environment for the learning of the future. But these ideas can also be applied to research institutes, museums and offices. In this context, the Zukunftsinstitut has put forward four parameters that can serve as a future guide for an architecture that aims to improve learning ability and performance.

1. Air
   The air that we need to breathe is just as vital to our performance. This has been demonstrated by several studies that examined ventilation in educational settings during the coronavirus pandemic. Improving the air quality resulted in a demonstrable improvement in pupils’ performance in the studies. Spaces that allow pupils to retreat and reflect also have a beneficial effect on concentration and learning behaviour.
2. Light
   The influence of light has a similarly positive effect on pupils. A report in the Journal of Environmental Psychology back in 2013 revealed that bright light of around 1500 lux measurably increases cognitive ability. It’s worth noting here that both artificial and natural light can boost concentration. On the other side, dimmed light can foster creativity. An important aspect to consider for lighting design in educational establishments.
3. Noise quality
   Things get a bit more complicated when it comes to noise quality. Some people need complete silence to be able to learn, while others require a certain level of background noise. When looking for a compromise in the room acoustics that meets the needs of both sides, it makes sense to design open and, above all, multifaceted learning spaces that also include places for quiet retreat.
4. Love
   Yes, that’s right! Studies have found that bringing love into the design of educational establishments can improve learning ability. Using calming materials such as wood or lovingly designed furniture can be conducive to increased performance and concentration.

One of the biggest challenges for the design of modern educational settings is closing the digital divide. There are still huge differences in access to technologies that are immensely important for communication and information gathering. According to the Zukunftsinstitut, children whose parents can provide them with laptops and help with technical problems have a clear advantage.

Everybody should have equal opportunities to gain digital literacy. Flexible and agile interior scenarios that integrate digital technologies into what have usually been purely analogue concepts can bridge the gap. At the same time, traditional classrooms and lecture theatres in which learners stoically listen to the teacher, largely disengaged, are becoming increasingly passé.

Educational establishments need to become more digital. They must ensure equal opportunities for learners who have been disadvantaged up until now due to a lack of access to information and communications technologies. But one thing must not be forgotten as they make this transition: Physical learning spaces have to be attractive as well. Otherwise, at some point, education may shift entirely to virtual spaces . Incorporating elements of playfulness into the interior design is one way to foster this new kind of innovative and productive learning experience.

Where will this megatrend take us in the long run? Is it possible today to predict which approaches will be widely adopted? Can we say what our educational structure will look like in 20 years’ time, let alone in 50? The Zukunftsinstitut has dared to look into the crystal ball and put forward some key theses for the future of knowledge culture. The most important point for the interior design and architecture industries: We will learn in a different way.

Learning will increasingly be seen as a lifelong process that enables us to constantly adapt to new situations – and this is the mindset educational establishments must embrace. Alongside this, there will be growing demand for transformative learning that addresses issues such as how to cope with crises, uncertainty and change – a crucial future skill. When it comes to designing appropriate environments for these approaches to learning, ageless living strategies and modular concepts are ideally suited.