Designing Learning Spaces: A Guide to Best Practices

How design can make the educational process more effective and comfortable? The EdDesign Mag team analyzed hundreds of projects from around the world and selected 21 architectural firms that are creating truly outstanding school buildings.

Alongside legendary firms, the list also highlights rising studios that are rapidly redefining the future of school architecture.

Contents:

EdDesign, United Arab Emirates
LINK Arkitektur, Norway
Crossboundaries, China
Dominique Coulon & Associés, France
Andrade Morettin Arquitetos, Brazil
Download the guide to the world’s most outstanding school architecture

EdDesign

Head Office: United Arab Emirates
Website: eddesignconf.com

EdDesign shapes environments where ideas thrive and learning comes to life. From the first sketch to the final chair, EdDesign manages every step of creating inspiring work and educational settings, having a deep understanding of how architecture influences educational outcomes, crafting spaces that support purpose and ignite potential — all while staying smart on budget and fully aligned with regulatory standards of the particular country.

Lumio Private School, Paphos, Cyprus, 2024

The Lumio campus spans approximately 6.8 hectares and has undergone significant renovations to create a modern and dynamic learning environment. The school’s facilities are designed to be modern, functional, and comfortable, providing an inspiring and supportive setting for both students and staff. EdDesign created functional and modern interior design for the classrooms, as well as designed specialised rooms for music, art, and ceramics, and a library.

Lumio Private School. Photo: lumio.school

LINK Arkitektur

Head Office: Norway
Year of Foundation: 2000
Website: linkarkitektur.com

The largest architecture firm in Scandinavia, with offices in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Over the years, the firm has designed around 25 educational facilities — primarily schools. Its core principle is the creation of sustainable, socially responsive architecture. The studio has designed buildings in some of Norway’s most scenic locations, where breathtaking views of the natural landscape unfold just outside the windows.

Svalbard Folk High School, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway, 2023

The world’s northernmost folk high school is located in Longyearbyen, Western Svalbard, at the 78th parallel north, near Adventfjord. From the school windows, students are treated to breathtaking views of the fjord, with the chance to spot whales and even the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Svalbard Folk High School. Photo: Hanne Jørgensen/Polyfor

Crossboundaries

Head Office: China
Year of Foundation: 2005
Website: crossboundaries.com

An international architecture studio known for its distinctly creative approach to designing educational and public spaces, Crossboundaries stands out through experiments with color, form, and concept. The studio actively explores interdisciplinary possibilities, significantly expanding the potential of educational architecture.

Jinlong Prefab School, Shenzhen, China, 2020

A social project aimed at addressing the shortage of schools in Shenzhen, driven by rapid population growth and an overall lack of public education facilities. Faced with strict budget and time constraints, the school had to be built in just 13 months — far less than the typical 2–3 years. This was made possible through the use of prefabricated concrete and steel components, which made up 75% of the structure and were manufactured locally in Shenzhen.

Jinlong Prefab School. Photo: Qingshan Wu, Chaoying Yang

Dominique Coulon & Associés

Head Office: France
Year of Foundation: 1989
Website: coulon-architecte.fr

Dominique Coulon & Associés, an architectural firm, places a strong emphasis on context. However, rather than striving for its projects to blend into the surroundings, it aims for them to stand out. Precise geometry, color, and natural lighting are key characteristics of many of the studio’s buildings. Dominique Coulon & Associés specializes in cultural and educational spaces of modest scale, which allows them to integrate their designs effectively into limited plots of land.

Moulon School Group, Saclay Plateau, Gif-sur-Yvette, France, 2021

The architects of Dominique Coulon & Associés played on the contrast between the building and its surroundings. The façades feature a pixelated color gradient ranging from black to white, complemented by bold blue and orange accents. With its crisp lines and colorful blocks, the building looks like it was lifted straight out of Minecraft — a visual reference that’s sure to resonate with students and spark their imagination.

Moulon School Group. Photo: Eugeni Pons

Andrade Morettin Arquitetos

Head Office: Brazil
Year of Foundation: 1997
Website: andrademorettin.com.br

A Brazilian architectural studio specializing in residential and commercial design, Andrade Morettin Arquitetos Associados also creates cultural and educational spaces that capture the essence of the region. Their projects seamlessly blend a modern approach with a deep respect for local traditions.

Aubrick School, São Paulo, Brazil, 2021

The new building’s primary mission was to bring together the school’s structures and breathe new life into the space, aligning it with modern educational principles. The central feature of the space is a garden, around which the buildings are arranged in clusters. Biophilic design principles, which integrate natural elements into the architecture of the school, are perfectly suited for Brazil’s warm climate.