Enabling Tomorrow’s Students: By Working Alternatively to Align Pedagogy and Space Session

Enabling Tomorrow’s Students: By Working Alternatively to Align Pedagogy and Space

1 LU | HSW

Date/Time: November 7, 2026 | 9:00 – 10:00 am

Room: TAHOMA 1

Abstract: This workshop will provide a pathway to a deep level of engagement so that learning and architecture align while creating an inspiring space for all to thrive.

Learning Objectives:

How to unpack the school’s vision, understand their pedagogy and align with a common project nomenclature.
Link the process to current research on learning environments: Melbourne University and the Learning Environments and Applied Research Network LEARN).
Design spatial and learning tools to facilitate the pedagogy.
How to link this to architecture while enabling all to participate in the interactive design process.
Explore a case study that will demonstrate the implementation of the above.

Core Competency

Educational Visioning
Facilitating the translation of educational goals/vision into school design requirements.

Community Engagement
Connecting the educational plan to the vision of the community and the District.

Educational Facility Pre-Design Planning
Manages a master planning process that combines educational planning, facilities assessment and utilization, demographic research, capital planning and educational specifications with a community based vision to establish a plan for learning environments.

Design of Educational Facilities
Aligning Educational & Community vision with design to support a regenerative mindset for a sustainable and future-ready Educational Facility.

Daniel Smith

Leaf Architecture

Daniel is an architect & Managing Director of Leaf Architecture, with extensive experience delivering innovative, sustainable projects across education & community sectors. Having focused on school design for over 20 years across Australasia & Asia. As a Director of Learning Environments Australasia, he champions evidence-based design that enhances student engagement. Daniel leads multidisciplinary teams to create flexible, future-focused spaces that balance pedagogy, technology & environmental performance. Speaking widely on design strategy, mentorship & sector leadership, influencing policy best practice.

Deb O’Riley

Ms Education Consultant

Deb is an educator & former Director of New Schools for the South Australian Government, serving as International Director of Learning Environments Australasia. She specialises in strategic school planning, pedagogy-led facilities & community engagement. Deb leads major school delivery, embedding inclusive design & innovative learning models. A leader & mentor, she advises Governments and Schools on policy, change management & evidence-based design to create adaptable, high-quality learning environments that support equity & student achievement.

LearningSCAPES 2026 Conference in Seattle, Washington

Venue

Seattle Convention Center
705 Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98101

Dates

November 4-7, 2026

Contact

Email: donna@a4le.org
+1 480.391.0840