Liberating School Spaces Special Interest Group

Antwerp International School – photo by Hufton + Crow

Amesbury School – photo by Hufton + Crow

Mission Statement

Physical space is never neutral and it has a powerful ability to enable or prevent individual, community and planetary flourishing.

The Liberating School Spaces Special Interest Group exists because we believe schools deserve spaces that liberate and catalyse, rather than oppress and constrain. Recognising that schools exist on a continuum of transformation, we meet them where they are and travel with them to where they want to be. From schools being awakened to how profoundly space shapes everything, to those pushing boundaries with revolutionary new models.

An opportunity exists to transform the dominant paradigm of educational architecture – from the confines of convention, conformity and compliance, to embracing creativity, innovation and emergence.

We seek to prove what becomes possible when architecture intentionally supports flourishing and we work to:

• create awareness of the power of architecture and design;

• provide practical literacy for building projects;

• amplify the voices of the silent and the silenced;

• showcase visionary practice.

This work matters because space shapes life: who can access learning; who belongs; whose voices are heard; the relationship between school communities and the planet. And, ultimately, whether schools are merely functional containers, or places of joy and beauty where curiosity, agency and hope thrive.

We are compassionate revolutionaries and practitioners with purpose. We believe in common sense fused with bold imagination, to create spaces designed with empathy, agency, and equity at their core – sustainable spaces honouring both human and planetary wellbeing.

We talk about liberating, because liberation is not a destination. It is the ongoing work of each generation to question, reimagine, and rebuild the learning spaces where everyone and everything thrives and hope returns and is fulfilled.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions, please contact our co-chairs, Jane and Matt, by emailing liberatingschoolspaces@gmail.com

Core Values

Our work is grounded in these interconnected values:

Intentionality & Purpose – We advocate for thoughtful, proactive, and evidence-informed design decisions that align with, support and catalyse, each school’s unique vision mission and values. Whether through new design, re-design or adaptation, there is always a solution.
Agency & Autonomy – We believe in empowering all stakeholders with the knowledge, confidence, and authority to shape the spaces in their school.
Empathy & Voice – We amplify silent and unheard voices, particularly those of the learner and the educator. Approaching design with deep empathy for diverse needs, experiences, identities and characteristics.
Wellbeing, Inclusion & Belonging – We centre the holistic flourishing of all users – learners, educators, staff, families and the wider community – recognising that physical space profoundly impacts safety, celebration, and community.
Beauty & Joy – We champion the creation of truly inspiring spaces that bring beauty and joy to daily life and learning, recognising them as essential, not optional.
Life & Sustainability – We commit to the mutual wellbeing of people and planet, recognizing that sustainable design is inseparable from human, interspecies and planetary wellbeing.
Common Sense & Practicality – We are intentionally reflective, and ground our aspirations in achievable, affordable solutions that genuinely meet the needs of a school community.
Equity & Accessibility – We work toward egalitarian spaces where power is shared equally, and everyone – without exception, condition or compromise – can thrive.