Beyond Four Walls: Creating Learning Environments for Student Agency

Asher Marcus & Embeth van der Wal

The physical learning environment profoundly shapes student experience, yet classroom design often overlooks its potential to foster student agency and self-actualisation. This interactive workshop, co-hosted by Asher Marcus, Director of Hubo Studio Architecture, and Embeth van der Wal, PhD candidate and Education Consultant, bridges educational theory with practical spatial design to help teachers create environments that empower learners. Through hands-on design exercises and real-world case studies, attendees will learn practical strategies for reimagining their classrooms to support student agency. By the session's end, participants will have concrete tools for transforming their spaces into environments that not only meet students' fundamental needs for safety and belonging but actively promote their growth toward independence, critical thinking, and self-actualisation.