Over the past several years, schools throughout the country have embraced a modern learning environment approach to classroom design, incorporating devices for students and teachers, advanced audiovisual tools and flexible furniture to create dynamic, student-centered learning spaces.

Those initiatives have spun out beyond the classroom walls, as schools look for ways to transform libraries, lounges, cafeterias and even hallways into areas where students and teachers can connect and collaborate.

“Instead of hallways that are just a circulation space, schools are making them part of the learning environment, with comfortable furniture and video displays,” says Irene Nigaglioni, former chairperson of the Association for Learning Environments and president of IN2 Architecture in Dallas. “Libraries are doing the same thing,” Nigaglioni says, “getting away from what we call the ‘book museum’ model to create more of an environment with both quiet learning areas and active learning areas.”

San Antonio’s Southside Independent School District recently created an early childhood center that brings touch screens, interactive display panels and even augmented reality to its youngest learners.