The NLA’s Expert Panel on Education recently convened for their second meeting of the year. Cora Kwiatkowski, Associate Director at Stride Treglown and Chair of this Expert Panel, summarises key lessons on the future of educational spaces.  

At the recent meeting, we workshopped several crucial themes regarding the future purpose of educational facilities, their relationship with industry, community engagement, and the challenges of retrofitting existing buildings.  

1. Rethinking the Purpose of Education and Facilities 

One of the central discussions focused on the evolving purpose of education and the role of physical spaces in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and the development of values and behaviours. Interestingly, the passive qualities of buildings—such as natural light, layout, and acoustics—are increasingly recognized as vital by a wider audience. As has been proven over time and been validated by research,  well-designed teaching and office spaces support productivity and wellbeing. 

Educational spaces must cater for diverse functions: safe study zones, debate rooms, and areas that ensure easy access to staff for guidance and support. Effective stewardship is crucial; not only for the care of the physical space but to support and mentor students. 

The role of school libraries is evolving. While community libraries often struggle, school libraries can become multifunctional hubs that serve both students and the wider community. Opening school spaces after hours could facilitate adult learning and access to local authority services. 

 

2. Strengthening Links Between Education and Industry 

Universities and educational institutions are actively seeking to deepen their ties with industry. The goal is to create visible, meaningful partnerships that benefit both students e.g. through enhancing employability and businesses. Initiatives such as innovation zones and innovation districts provide fertile ground for collaboration. 

Integrating educational facilities into housing developments—from nurseries to higher education—can foster stronger communities and seamless access to learning. We need to be aware that the engagement process differs greatly between macro-level city planning and more localised efforts, highlighting the importance of tailored strategies. 

Making it easy for industry players to participate is crucial, and many institutions run specific outreach and engagement programmes. Engaging occupiers can inform design and programming. Organisations like the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) are also championing client partnerships and spotlighting success stories to move beyond static reports toward real-world impact. 

 

3. Building Strong Communities Around Schools and Utilizing Surplus Space 

Another theme is the creative use of surplus space in educational settings and how communities can form around schools. Decision-making about these spaces often involves multiple owners, and business managers play a key role in maximising asset use. 

Potential school closures raised questions about future uses for vacated buildings. New approaches to insurance, safeguarding, and security are necessary to safely open spaces for community use. For example, universities have established conference use for a long time, and opened certain spaces up for community use. 

Innovative ideas include opening up especially ground floors to the public, blurring the lines between educational and community spaces. We discussed if there should be penalties for vacant spaces as a possible strategy to encourage higher space optimisation. 

This conversation largely centred on a London-centric perspective, where universities have an increasing civic role and become vital anchors for local neighbourhoods. 

 

4. Challenges and Opportunities in Retrofitting Existing Buildings 

Retrofitting educational buildings poses unique challenges but also presents exciting opportunities. Phased renovations require careful funding strategies and must balance improvements with maintaining the character and identity of existing spaces. 

The meeting highlighted how unusual and unexpected spaces can inspire innovative learning environments—insights gained from recent site visits to Central Foundation Boys’ School and Point Blank Music School reinforce this. 

Inclusivity is key to every retrofit, despite the potential cost premiums involved, and other funding avenues need to be explored. Proposals to exempt retrofits from VAT could encourage more sustainable upgrades. Additionally, fundraising remains a challenge but is critical for financing carbon-friendly creative reuse which also reduces the operating costs. 

Finally, meanwhile uses—temporary or interim uses of spaces during transitions—can activate spaces and maintain community engagement while long-term plans unfold.