How Thoughtful School Environments Empower Every Student
Richard Croyden & Matthew Savory, DB3 Group

Designing a school isn’t just about walls and classrooms-it’s about creating spaces that empower students. Carefully considered design choices can improve learning outcomes by up to 16%. So how can we create environments that empower every student?  At DB3, we tackle these challenges every day. Having designed Bryn y Deryn PRU, Cardiff’s sole pupil referral unit, we’ve seen firsthand how the built environment impacts behaviour and wellbeing.  From natural light and air quality to colour psychology and adaptable spaces, we’ll explore the key design principles that create learning environments to support the next generation.

Social Learning @ University: curriculum, culture, campus
Dr Hiral Patel, Katherine Quinn & Dr Laura Shobiye, Cardiff University

The Social Learning @ University research report offers a new framework for designing university environments that prioritise social learning. It defines social learning as “a relationship-based process that creates value for self, others and wider society.” In response to rising mental health challenges, financial pressures, hybrid learning models, and civic responsibilities, the report argues for campus experiences that build belonging, agency and collaboration in learning experiences within and beyond the classroom.

A key contribution is the Bond–Bridge–Connect model, which explains how students form connections within communities, across networks, and with wider society. The report calls for better alignment between curriculum, staff interface, timetable and campus spaces to enable social learning.

To move beyond narrow interpretations of “social learning spaces,” the report introduces C-Space — a concept for all campus areas that support social learning outside timetabled sessions. It emphasises that such spaces need active stewardship.

A C-Space Tool Gauge is introduced to support continuous triple loop learning through questions like: Are we doing things right? Are we doing the right things? How do we decide what is right?

This work, commissioned by AUDE, University Design Forum, and Willmott Dixon, reflects social learning in action with students, academics, estates, and design professionals.