Abstract: Grounded in behavioral and cognitive science, this session highlights how comfort, clarity, and restoration can be strategically integrated to support belonging and connection in educational spaces. Participants will examine real-world applications and research-informed strategies that move beyond aesthetics to impact human experience in meaningful and measurable ways. Whether designing a new school or retrofitting an existing one, attendees will leave with actionable frameworks to create inclusive environments that support the whole child and the educators who serve them.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify environmental factors, including acoustics, lighting, thermal comfort, and ergonomics, that directly impact cognitive performance, emotional well-being, and physical health in K–12 learning environments.
2. Explain the role of acoustics and biophilic design in reducing stress and mental fatigue among students and instructors, using evidence from post-occupancy evaluations and neuroscience-based case studies.
3. Evaluate the impact of spatial clarity and wayfinding on user stress and engagement, particularly for neurodivergent students and first-time visitors in educational spaces.
4. Apply research-informed frameworks to advocate for and implement inclusive, human-centered design strategies that meet the mental health and safety needs of students and educators alike.