Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of Learning By Design—your trusted source for education design innovation and excellence. In a world defined by constant change, the challenge of creating safe, welcoming, and effective learning environments continues to evolve. Communities, school districts, higher education institutions, and design professionals must navigate shifting funding realities, regulatory changes, evolving pedagogies, demographic shifts, and broader societal challenges—all while remaining focused on student success.
It is within this context that we present this Spring edition of Learning By Design. Our goal is to place on your desk—and on your screen—design research, lessons learned from recently completed facilities, and insights from professionals across the field who share a common mission: improving learning outcomes through thoughtful, well-designed educational environments.
Within this 120-page compendium, you will find a wealth of resources and inspiration, including the Spring 2026 Educational Facilities Design Awards Showcase, featuring more than fifty-two exemplary PreK–12, higher education, career and technical, and community-based learning environments.
You will also hear from leading voices in the field, including:
- The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) — Designing at the Crossroads: Pedagogy, Equity, and the Reality of School Funding.
- The American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Education — exploring the importance of designing for place and community.
- The Coalition for the Advanced Understanding of School Environments (CAUSE) — presenting research on why thermal comfort matters for student success.
- The Association for University Interior Designers (AUID) — examining how early childhood education services can be integrated within higher education campuses.
- A4LE Insights — demonstrating how a large K–12 district improved campus lighting performance while simultaneously reducing recurring costs.
This issue also highlights projects pushing the boundaries of educational design. Among them is Limberlost Place, a groundbreaking 10-story net-zero academic building that inspires curiosity, supports well-being, and establishes a new benchmark for mass timber construction. You will also discover insights from UCLA Lab School, where research and design intersect to foster a culture of healthy classrooms.
Equally important, we encourage readers to explore the product and material innovations featured throughout this issue. The manufacturers and partners represented in these pages provide solutions that help bring educational design visions to life. Their products—when thoughtfully specified—can significantly enhance the performance, durability, and operational success of today’s learning environments.
As you explore this edition, we hope Learning By Design serves not only as a showcase of inspiring projects, but also as a trusted resource, teaching tool, and professional companion—strengthening the bond between this publication and the community of planners, designers, educators, and industry partners who share the goal of shaping better places to learn.
Thank you for being part of that journey.