Rethinking learning environments to transform the learning & teaching experience.
SPACE, a simple, evidence-based framework that brings clarity, structure and purpose to school estate development.
What is the SPACE Model?
The SPACE model is a simple, step-by-step way for schools to rethink and improve their learning environments so they truly meet the needs and ambitions of students, teachers and leaders.
Rather than handing you a one-size-fits-all design, it starts with understanding your school’s ambitions, culture and day-to-day realities. Together, we explore how your current spaces are used, what’s working well, and what could work better for students, staff and visitors.
By blending evidence-based ideas with your curriculum and culture, we co-create practical ideas for layouts, finishes, furniture and flow that make teaching easier and learning more engaging.
The process also looks at budgets, phasing and long-term plans so changes are sustainable and affordable. In short, SPACE turns big aspirations into clear, achievable actions — helping you make confident decisions and create environments that genuinely support your community every day.
Five Key Perspectives
See the Reality
Set the ambition
Understand your Culture
Share the Experience
Set a pathway for Progress
The case for change:
Rethinking learning environments to meet today’s urgent needs
Education is changing faster than ever, yet most learning spaces haven’t. Traditional “rows and desks” classrooms were not built for the skills today’s learners need: collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, resilience and well-being. The way we teach and learn has evolved, but our spaces often haven’t caught up.
“The design of classrooms can account for up to 25% of students' academic progress.” - Barrett et al. - 2017
That’s why we created the SPACE model. It’s a practical framework to help schools reimagine their estates so they actively support today’s teaching and learning, and become better prepared for the future changes an evolving education climate brings.
Educational partners who have supported our SPACE programme.
Autens
Autens is one of Denmark's leading consultancies in school development, innovative learning environments and collaborative user processes.
Neil Thomas
A teacher, senior leader, coach, facilitator, and consultant, Neil brings nearly two decades of experience in education and leadership.
Simon Burgess
An experienced senior leader and consultant in strategy and organisation development, specialising in leadership, change and culture.
The PIPE Overview
Every aspect of a learning space contributes to how students and teachers experience their daily interactions within it. From the lighting and layout to the acoustics and furnishings, each element shapes how safe, engaged, and motivated people feel in that environment and provides a framework for what they are able do together.
Each of the four dimensions of the Experience lens work together, ensuring that learning spaces are not just functional but are holistically designed to promote the well-being, creativity, and success of both students and educators.
Explore the SPACE Model
Ready to learn more? Download our introductory guides, case studies and practical resources to see how the SPACE model can help your school unlock its potential. Discover insights, strategies and real-world examples to inspire your own space transformation journey.
SPACE Portal
The SPACE Portal is your digital companion throughout the journey, giving school leaders and stakeholders one easy hub to track progress and stay connected. It includes:
- Real-time updates on timelines, milestones and progress
- Centralised resources like workshop summaries and design concepts
- Data-driven insights from student and staff surveys
- Collaborative communication with your Pinnacle project team
- Visual dashboards to see your school’s transformation at a glance
The SPACE Portal makes planning transparent, efficient and empowering — turning a complex process into a guided, collaborative experience.
SPACE Survey
Take a clear, guided look at how the portal works. From capturing student and staff voice, to visualising insights, it shows how SPACE turns data, feedback and collaboration into confident, well-informed design choices that make your learning environments work better for the people who use them every day.
Connect with our team
Director
Project Consultant
Senior Interior Designer
Operations Director
Start your SPACE Journey
We'd love to hear about your new project
Exploring ideas or planning a refurbishment? Fill in the form and our friendly team will show how SPACE can transform your learning spaces and inspire students and staff.
sales@pinnacle.space
020 8641 4444
Start your SPACE Journey