ABSTRACT
The potential impact of classroom design on education is significant, accounting for 15–25 percent of the differences in learning progress over the course of a year. Research suggests three aspects of classroom design matter most: naturalness, individualization, and stimulation. Natural light should be favored when possible, but sufficient quantity and quality of artificial lighting is also important. Full-spectrum bulbs can be used to enhance classrooms with poor natural light. Well-ventilated classrooms rooms are essential to minimize CO2 buildup—a common but generally unrecognized problem that impairs cognitive function—especially in small classrooms. Links to nature can include scenic views of outdoor settings like parks, but plentiful in-class greenery can be substituted for interior rooms and urban contexts. Classrooms that can be adapted to support breakout spaces, meeting nooks, and learning zones of various types work best, as they present numerous opportunities for collaboration and active learning.
