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PROJECT BACKGROUND
RESEARCH
EVENTS + PUBLICATIONS
TEAM
Strategies & Resources
LEARNING PLAYGROUND
Adaptable design strategies for equitable access to restorative learning environments.
The Learning Playground is a physical and virtual showroom of biophilic design strategies, ideas, concepts, and research. It is a series of spatial vignettes that embrace nature connectedness, human connection, and emerging technologies to showcase virtual and physical environmental elements affiliated with enhancing mental, physical health and wellbeing, resilience, and learning outcomes. Spatial cues support learners, allowing play, personalized learning, refuge, physical activity, and human interaction to reinvigorate the learning setting. The Learning Playground is not meant to be replicated in its entirely, rather it intends to bridge the gap between evidence and design strategy implementation. We hope to make the ideas and resources easily understood and used as examples that can be mapped to other contexts. Originally, the idea was selected as an award-winning design to build a physical Classroom of the Future for the 2020 Edspaces conference. With COVID-19, the conference went virtual, and the physical classroom portion was cancelled. We were then selected as the virtual closing session for the 2020 Ed Spaces conference and have been invited back in November 2021 to build the physical representation of this space. The team continues to "build" the classroom virtually to provide designers, educators, and decision makers of learning spaces with biophilic design strategies and evidence of links to enhanced wellbeing and resilience. COVID-19 and the growth of remote and hybrid learning settings, has nudged our team to dive deeper into how to make design strategies for restorative learning environments accessible to remote learners everywhere. For this reason, our team has created virtual “home” environments as examples for how strategies employed in each Learning Playground “zone” might correlate to strategies that could adapt to a remote learning environment. We invite you to explore this virtual space through the link provided and are encouraged to take these strategies and fold them into your respective on site, or remote learning environments or planned pedagogical experiences in order to expand access to restorative learning environments.
Research
Mounting evidence that has findings linking human health benefits with exposure to simulated nature, could serve to expand access to restorative environments for learners and educators who may have a perceived or actual barrier to access due to their lack of proximity to real nature. The Virtual Learning Playground demonstrates key takeaways and spatial re-set strategies to enhance human connection, wellbeing, and resilience. We invite you to explore the research and evidence compiled.
Events
Visit the Learning Playground in an immersive virtual space, see the classroom showroom in person, or attend a scheduled presentation.
Learning Playground Events
Find Out More
team
Virtual Grove
Campfire
VR/AR Lounge
Collaboration Pavilion
picnic Area
Fitness Field
Within the physical or virtual showroom, you will find the following areas to explore. Each classroom area also has an associated home environment.
The Learning Playground is a result of Radical Collaboration among many persons and companies! We invite those interested in participating in the ongoing research efforts, or in engaging in research findings pertaining to this topic, to please reach out to Valerie Caruolo of Hord Coplan Macht.
Meet Our Team
Hord Coplan Macht 2022
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View The Research
Hord Coplan Macht 2021
Go To The Virtual Playground
Attention Restoration Theory re-frames our directed attention as a resource. When thought of in a sequence, if our attention is fatigued, then we can partake in a "restorative experience" and our attentional capacity will be replenished, like a battery being recharged. Examples of "restorative" experiences might include watching dappled light move around on the ground, looking out a window to greenery, taking a shower, or a walk - there are varying levels of "immersion" in these experiences, but each represents a micro-break for our voluntary attentional effort. Kaplan, S. (1995). The Restorative Benefits of Nature: Towards an Integrative Framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 13(2), 169-182. doi: 10.1016/0272-4944(95)90001-2
The Learning Playground is a series of spatial vignettes that embrace nature connectedness, human connection, and emerging technologies to showcase virtual and physical environmental elements affiliated with enhancing mental, physical health and wellbeing, resilience, and learning outcomes. Spatial cues support learners, allowing play, personalized learning, refuge, physical activity, and human interaction to reinvigorate the learning setting.
Mounting evidence that has findings linking human health benefits with exposure to simulated nature, could serve to expand access to restorative environments for learners and educators who may have a perceived or actual barrier to access due to their lack of proximity to real nature. The Virtual Learning Playground demonstrates key takeaways and spatial re-set strategies to enhance human connection, wellbeing, and resilience. We invite you to explore the research and evidence compiled. The purpose of the Learning Playground and its associated ongoing research study is to explore the extent to which adaptable translations of biophilic design strategies could be employed in virtual and physical learning environments, regardless of resource abundance or scarcity. Future study will examine insights and takeaways from learners, caregivers, and educators regarding how elements of physical environments, where remote learning occurred, has impacted learners in order to consider how these findings might influence future on-site learning environments.
Intention
To provide a free space for analog or virtual immersion in nature – a space that provides micro-breaks to facilitate attention restoration and reduce stress. Provide access to opportunities to connect with nature and participate in restorative experiences through simulations
Problem
Students are suffering from attention fatigue, stress, and anxiety. Students are disconnected from, or have limited access to, nature and restorative experiences.
ATTENTION RESTORATION THEORY
Being Away – Micro-breaks. Does not have to mean physically distant, but feeling away (like looking out a window at nature for 40 seconds)
Directed Attention Fatigued
Restorative Experience
When our cache of voluntary, directed attention is depleted and we are finding it hard to focus and our ability to do directed tasks, or use “selection” (problem solving) is diminished.
Directed Attention Restored
When our cache of attention is replenished. We feel rejuvenated, re-focused, better able to concentrate on directed tasks, and engage in creative problem solving!
Extent - Level of immersion the space provides
Soft Fascination – when involuntary attention is used to effortlessly observe aspects of an environment
Compatibility – when the intended use of a space is immediately understood
Provocations
How might routine disruption influence the future of learning spaces, experiences? How has COVID-19 influenced routine disruption as part of the learning day? How might restorative environments and experiences generated through biophilic design strategies be made more accessible to learners regardless of their access to real nature? How might interwoven technologies, like VR/AR play a role in enhancing sense of belonging, and connecting learners to restorative environments? What are ways students and educators could adapt their remote-learning environments to capitalize on the benefits of biophilia?
WHY
how
WHAT
Articles of Interest
YouTube Playlist: Video Resources
More Resources
The Restorative Benefits of Nature (Kaplan, 1995)
Biologic Impact Chart
AIA Biophilic Design Research: The Impact of Biophilic Learning Spaces on Student Success
Refuge Visual Connection Non-Visual Connection Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
Nature Connectedness
Replenishing Mental & Attentional Fatigue Benefits to Health Benefits to Learning
Connection to Self
Taking time to “Get-away” (Respite & Micro-breaks)
Routine Disruption
The Virtual Grove is a place to take a break, a safe place of refuge to connect with nature and yourself. The lower overhead canopy condition, three-sided space, and ability to immerse in restorative sounds and sights, whether virtually or in real life, provide a refuge-like restorative experience.
Go To Virtual Space
The Big Idea
Restorative Experiences & Connections
Refuge like space with lower canopy space to make an individual feel a sense of security from lower overhead space
SPATIAL STRATEGIES
Attention Restoration
Visual and audio connections to biophilic elements, biomorphic patterns, real or simulated nature
Breaking Routine
Supports the need to break away for a few minutes
Supports individual experiences away from groups
Making time for respite
Check out the “Virtual Grove” Youtube Playlist for tree leaves rustling, ocean waves, crackling fire, birds chirping, etc!
Full Bibliography (coming soon)
Virtual Calming Room
ACCESS VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT
Well Facts: Campfire
Fractals in Architecture
Social Relationships and Mortality Risk
Gathering Sense of Belonging
Community
Loneliness Social Connection Mortality
Mental Health
Visual Preference of Fractals: Firelight as an example of viewing fractals
Visual Preference
The campfire is a centrally located space that highlights the importance of gathering and having a sense of belonging. The inward facing biophilic campfire promotes inclusivity, and reinforces community-like atmosphere among friends, peers, and family.
Centrally located fireplace to support visual fractals of fire or a graphic fractal alternative
Acoustical support for calming sounds
Sense of Belonging
Open, central space that supports a variety of activities including dialogue
Social center, with seating that visually connects people to each other
Lounge or soft seating to support an informal environment
Check out the “Campfire” Youtube Playlist for fire patterns, fractals, sounds, etc!
Full Bibliography (Coming Soon)
Full Bibliography
Healthy Cooking Virtual Kitchen
UVAToday Brain Food
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015-2020, 8th Edition.
Human Connectedness Nature Connectedness
Connections
Nourishment (Eat and Drink) Creativity (Spreading out)
Benefits to health Benefits to learning
Nourishment
The Picnic Area is a space that encourages taking a break, grabbing something to eat or drink, and to have a change of scenery. Visual and physical restorative connections with nature extend to all senses, including taste and smell of fresh food. This space promotes human connectedness and sense of belonging by connecting the importance of gathering, health, nutrition, and learning.
Picnic Area
Benefits of healthy nutrition and access to snacks and water
Biophilic elements and visual connections to nature
Smaller social spaces distributed throughout for ease of access
Check out the “Picnic” Youtube Playlist for snack and healthy recipe ideas!
Visual, Non-Visual, Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
Tables meant for gathering, conversation, casual atmosphere
Virtual grove
Coming Soon: YouTube Playlist: Video Resources
Coming Soon!
Opportunities to share ideas and projects
Human Connectedness
Adaptable spaces to accommodate many modes of learning
The Collaboration Pavilion is a space for making, doing, and sharing. The space encourages a variety of activities in an adaptable space to meet the needs for many project types, learning modes, and opportunities for social connectedness.
Go To Virtual Area
Shifting furniture to encourage a disruption of typical classroom layout
Promotes sense of belonging and enthusiasm between students
Tables that can seat students next to and facing each other
Larger spaces that promote vocal, social activity
Space to accommodate varying tools, supplies
Open adjacency to other spaces to promote easy access into and out of the space
Creativity (Spreading out)
Project Learning Tree – Why Teach Outside?
Green Schoolyards America
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition.
Mental, Physical, & Emotional Social & Cognitive Development Stress Reduction
Benefits of Physical Activity
Spatial Reset, Indoor and Outdoor Play
Biomorphic forms and patterns Visual and non-visual connections
Moving your body has immediate, long-lasting, and protective benefits for your brain. Allowing for space to move is not only beneficial physically, but provides many social and emotional benefits as well. The intention for the fitness field is to provide more opportunities for access to movement, nature connectedness, and provide a restorative experience to approve attentiveness.
Open spaces for running, jumping, playing
Interactive elements for play to contribute towards mental & physical activity
Check out the “Fitness Field” Youtube Playlist
The Surprising Benefits of Teaching a Class Outside
Outdoor Learning and Green Time: How Kids Benefit from Learning and Playing in Nature
Virtual Immersions
YouTube’s Currated VR Channel for nature video, sound
Google Arts & Culture Tours and Activities
NASA Virtual Tours
Esports, digital collaboration, teamwork Better school performance Emphasis on inclusivity & access Greater reach in student body
Visual nature overlays Visual learning overlays
Augmented Environments
Visual immersion activities
Virtual Environments
The AR/VR Lounge embraces new technologies in learning environments to help students achieve better learning outcomes while also building on their social connectedness. The space uses strategies to readily adapt to in-person, hybrid, or online only interactions while maintaining social connections at different levels of physical distance.
AR/ VR Lounge
Potential for visual and audio connections to biophilic elements in group settings
Lounge seating that supports collaborative dialogue
Seating and workspace that supports technology integration for collaborative work without physical proximity
Allows groups or individuals to interact with technology and immersive environments outside of a traditional classroom setting
Check out the “AR/VR Lounge” Youtube Playlist for online lectures on the potential of AR/VR in the classroom!
Supports non-traditional programming such as gaming, collaborative making, etc outside of a typical classroom environment that contributes to better learning outcomes
Non-conventional ways to ensure social cohesion
Opportunities for social connectedness at distances, hybrid experiences
Immersive environments as a main focus ion
The Learning Playground is a result of Radical Collaboration among many persons and companies! We invite those interested in participating in the ongoing research efforts, or in engaging in research findings pertaining to this topic, to please reach out to Valerie Caruolo.
Hord Coplan Macht
Valerie Caruolo
Leah Wettstein
Ilijana Soldan
Lisa M. Ferretto
AIA, LEED AP, CPHC; Learning Space Designer & Research Lead
NCIDQ Principal, Certified Interior Designer
AIA, LEED BD+C, NCARB Registered Architect
AIA, LEED, WELL, EcoDistricts AP Sustainability Director
partners
Lisa is a Principal, Sustainability Director, and Architect, and has been with Hord Coplan Macht since 2005. She has worked on a variety of project types and has worked on approximately 3 million square feet of LEED Certified space. Lisa promotes the integration of sustainability and well-being throughout the entire design process and consults on projects across all studios. Lisa describes herself as an “urban scientist” studying the interconnected systems of people with each other, nature, and cities. She is a member of the Baltimore Sustainability Commission advocating for environmental equity. Lisa has been honored as a Leading Woman in 2012, one of the Top 100 Women in 2016 by the Maryland Daily Record, and was recently featured as one of the Top 10 Women Leading the Fight against Climate Change by WOW, Women of the World + Google Arts & Culture.
AIA, LEED, WELL, EcoDistricts AP, Sustainability Director
Ilijana Soldan, AIA, is a Project Architect at HCM with a diverse background experience including higher education, K-12 schools, commercial office, retail, recreation, residential, and planning. She is a research-based designer with a passion for designing education spaces because of their important role in empowering the students who use them. Sustainability, equity, and emerging technologies are at the forefront of her overlapping interests with education environments.
AAIA, LEED BD+C, NCARB Registered Architect
As a Principal in HCM's Education Studio, Leah brings an in-depth understanding of how to create spaces that are flexible, timeless and reflect the unique culture and brand of each client. With an emphasis on creating successful academic and workplace environments that address her clients’ unique and evolving needs, Leah has extensive experience developing creative solutions through strategic programming, space planning, interior architecture, as well as selecting furniture and finishes for academic, corporate, healthcare and hospitality projects.
Valerie Caruolo is an Architectural Designer and Research Lead at Hord Coplan Macht. Passionate about designing spaces and experiences that enable humans to thrive, Valerie explores how access to restorative environments impacts the mental, physical health, wellbeing, and success of learners. A champion of radical collaboration, Valerie is co-author of AIA Upjohn funded primary research, The Impact of Biophilic Learning Spaces on Student Success, and seeks to promote translation of scientific findings into practice. Building on her previous experience as a University Innovation Fellow (Stanford), Valerie brings expertise in design thinking, lean methods, and cultivating creativity through a human-centered approach to design. Valerie has experience in all phases of project work, taking projects from concept design through construction project completion to research and post occupancy evaluation. Focusing on people and place, Valerie creates meaningful design solutions grounded in empathy and inspired by insights gained from research, ethnography, and analysis.
AIA, CPHC, LEED Homes, BD+C Learning Space Designer & Research Lead
AIA, LEED BD+C, NCARB
Resources
To learn more about the Learning Playground, attend an upcoming conference presentation, check out the article below, or listen to the interview with the team on the Help Me Understand podcast with School Designer Dr. Robert Dillon!
Conferences
October 4-6, 2021
October 7-8 + 12-15, 2021
NeoCon Conference Chicago, IL Virtual Tours of Physical Showroom
NAAEE: The Power of Connection: Research Symposium and Conference On demand presentation
Publications
Lisa is a Principal, Sustainability Director, and Architect, and has been with Hord Coplan Macht since 2005. She has worked on a variety of project types throughout her career including mixed use, multi-family and affordable housing, commercial office buildings, K-12 schools, and higher educational facilities – new construction and renovation. She likes to describe herself as an “urban scientist” studying the interconnected systems of people with each other, nature, and cities.
Ilijana Soldan is a Project Architect at Hord Coplan Macht with a diverse background experience including higher education, K-12 schools, commercial office, retail, recreation, large-scale masterplanning, and luxury high-rise residential. She is a research based designer and enjoys working most on education projects because of their ability to empower the individual user. She holds a Master of Architecture from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from VCUarts
Valerie Caruolo has served many roles throughout her career including Project Designer, Project Manager, Sustainability Consultant, Design Strategist, Design Thinking Facilitator, Lecturer, and Director of Design Research. She has worked on multiple projects pursuing LEED, WELL, Passive House, Net Zero Energy, and Fitwell Certifications and believes deeply in starting with systems thinking as it pertains to designing sustainable strategies for current and future human and environmental needs. Focusing on people and place, Valerie creates meaningful design solutions grounded in empathy and inspired by the surprising insights gained from ethnography and analysis. Valerie is passionate about designing spaces and experiences that cultivate creativity, and enhance well-being.
AIA, LEED AP, CPHC Learning Space Designer & Research Lead
Events & Publications
Article, Education Market Association Essentials, Home of EDspaces Insights. April 2021. “The Learning Playground: Restorative Learning Environments.”
October 14-18, 2021
A4LE LearningSCAPES: Disruptive optimism: Education, planning, and design in fifty years Denver, CO Presentation: Oct 15, 3:30 pm ET
November 3-5, 2021
EdSpaces: Designing the Future of Education Pittsburgh, PA Featuring the physical showroom! Presentation: Nov 3, 8:00 am ET
Read Article
October 27, 2021
Net Zero Energy Coalition: The Beauty of Zero Exhibition Opening Reception: Oct 27, 5-8 pm ET
May 2-13, 2022
Living Future Conference: Restoration and Justice Virtual Presentation: May 12, 4:30 pm ET
April 6-9, 2022
A4LE Northeast Regional Conference Washington, DC
April 3-5, 2022
A4LE North Carolina Regional Conference Asheville, NC
March 23-25, 2022
A4LE South Carolina Regional Conference Spartanburg, SC Presentation: March 24, 9:45am
Past Conferences
Podcast
Help Me Understand with Dr. Robert Dillon School Designer Dr. Robert Dillon focused on issues surrounding the innovative of school systems include what, how and where we learn. The podcast raises awareness about essential topics in education as well as leans into opportunity to explore, discover and grow curious about the world that surround us.
Listen Now
Download The LEarning Playground Brochure!
A brief, easy to share overview of the The Learning Playground project.
Gallery
