Why holistic planning is key when designing educational spaces

That’s where holistic planning comes in. Unlike isolated refurbishment projects or reactive estate management, holistic planning takes a strategic, joined-up approach to how physical space supports a school’s culture, educational values, teaching styles, and student experiences. When it comes to learning environment design, the approach must be about more than aesthetics or capacity – it’s essential to align the built environment with a school’s mission, culture, and vision for the future.

Pinnacle is pioneering this approach through our SPACE framework, developed in collaboration with Danish educational experts Autens.

“Holistic planning using our SPACE approach, enables schools to move from outdated models of teaching to learning ecosystems that are flexible, inclusive, and truly student-centred,” says Pinnacle’s managing director Daryl Stanley. 

What is holistic planning?

Holistic planning is not the same as master planning, which sometimes hinges on 30-year architectural blueprints. “Five years is a far more tangible horizon when it comes to schools,” says Daryl. “That’s long enough to plan with purpose but close enough to align with real strategic goals, budgets, and curriculum shifts.”

Pinnacle’s SPACE framework stands for:

• See the Reality
• Pathway for Progress
• Ambition
• Culture
• Experience

Each lens measures the practical and intangible elements of a school’s learning environment. It’s a structured journey that considers how students feel, how teachers teach, and how the built environment influences behaviour and community. By integrating stakeholder input, i.e. students, teachers and leaders while grounding decisions in data and observations, the SPACE framework creates a tailored roadmap that evolves with the institution.

Innovative classroom design realises that culture and space are intertwined 

“Walking into a school, you can immediately sense the learning culture from the physical space and how it’s set up because the design of educational spaces sends subtle but powerful signals to students and teachers – well thought out spaces reinforce a school’s values,” says Daryl. “This is backed by research* as studies show that up to 25% of a student’s academic progress can be attributed to the physical classroom environment.”

Too often, schools adopt teaching innovations without changing their physical spaces. The result? A mismatch that undermines the culture they’re trying to create. Traditional classroom layout design with rows of desks conveys hierarchy and conformity –  not the culture needed for nurturing critical thinking and independence.

Holistic planning helps align space with evolving cultural aspirations. Take Roedean School’s library transformation. Originally a traditional, even austere, academic environment, Pinnacle helped reshape it into a flexible, inviting space that respected the building’s heritage. With curved bookcases and zones for group and individual study, the new library now reflects Roedean’s values of empowerment, curiosity, and collaboration.

There were challenges too. It’s a large space and because the building is listed, Pinnacle couldn’t fix anything to the walls.

“We created zones with movable furniture, which makes it a truly multi-functional space that can be adjusted to suit the educational requirements day by day” says Daryl.

Case study – Oxford International College

Another of Pinnacle’s successful SPACE transformations is Oxford International College in Brighton. Owned by the global education group Nord Anglia, it was a flagship UK campus. The vision was ambitious – to create a world-class academic environment that embodied British heritage and modern learning approaches.

However,  the site was complex. There was an older school building with new extensions, phased refurbishments, and long-term plans for growth. The challenge lay in turning an architect’s high-level masterplan into human-centred, emotionally engaging spaces.

Pinnacle created modular student bedrooms, warm social areas, science labs, and collaboration zones. The consistent use of natural materials, warm colours and atmospheric lighting gave the boarding school a homely feel while still feeling premium and modern. According to the project director, the result “set a benchmark for boarding schools across the UK”.

The interiors are visually striking and functional, telling students, teachers and visitors that this is a school where academic rigour sits alongside emotional safety and community building. 

Project director Graham Witte says: “The project looks amazing and has set a benchmark for our schools all over the UK.”

Holistic planning is rooted in data and design

Holistic planning is not an abstract concept, it’s rooted in data and design thinking. Pinnacle’s approach as a classroom design consultant and FF&E company, combines:

• Structured observation of current space usage
• Surveys and focus groups with students and staff
• Environmental audits on light, acoustics, and layout
• Workshops to define cultural ambitions and educational outcomes

Once this research is completed, a SPACE dashboard is created, this is a living document that tracks strategic goals, cultural aspirations, and project milestones. It ensures all stakeholders are aligned throughout the journey, from visioning to implementation.

Crucially, it also builds buy-in. By engaging teachers early and incorporating their feedback, schools avoid the common pitfall of rolling out new spaces that staff don’t know how or don’t want to use. 

“Educators have to walk the journey with you,” Daryl stresses. “Trial spaces, CPD sessions, even school visits to see other projects in action, all these touchpoints build confidence and competence”.

The ROI of holistic planning

There’s a powerful return on investment when educational spaces reflect school culture and pedagogy. At Oxford International, the interiors not only impress students and parents but also contribute to higher retention and enrolment figures. 

“There’s no point creating a stunning campus if no one wants to study or teach there,” explains Daryl. “Our work ensures it’s both beautiful and functional and makes people feel cared for”.

The SPACE manifesto backs this up with data. Natural light, good acoustics, and flexible layouts significantly boost academic performance and emotional well-being. Biophilic design reduces stress and improves focus. When schools invest strategically, they don’t just improve their buildings, they transform student outcomes.

Projects with a purpose

Too often, space design is reactive, a response to crumbling infrastructure or short-term funding, but Daryl argues for a proactive, purpose-led approach. “Instead of just fixing what’s broken, we ask –  what do you want your learning environment to say? How do you want it to feel?” he explains.

The SPACE model helps schools future-proof their estates by looking five years ahead and co-creating a phased plan that integrates curriculum changes, well-being goals, and student voice. This long-term view transforms estate planning from a maintenance job into a transformative opportunity.

Final thoughts…

In a post-pandemic world where student mental health, teacher retention, and future skills are under intense scrutiny, holistic planning is essential.

It’s about much more than buildings, it’s about designing schools that reflect who students are and show them who they can become.

Daryl adds: “Educational spaces shouldn’t just be a backdrop to learning, flexible and innovative spaces are learning tools.”

Click here to download a copy of Pinnacle’s SPACE Manifesto or contact sales@pinnacle.space to talk to someone about transforming your learning space. 

*Barrett et al, 2017 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28458394/