21st Century Learning spaces are student-centered and tech-enabled. To learn more about 21st Century Learning Spaces and Godrej Interio’s contribution, download the whitepaper.

1. T H E F U T U R E I S N O W
DESIGN BLUEPRINT
FOR
21st
CENTURY
LEARNING SPACES

2. Education holds the power to influence the world’s
future. While the world has changed at breakneck
speed, our education system didn’t. Transforming the
current education system through innovative and
contemporary teaching and learning methodologies
is the need of the hour. To accommodate this change,
learning spaces must evolve and transform into
modern 21st
Century Learning Spaces.
The government’s revamped National Education
Policy (NEP) 2020 is primarily developed based on the
above premise. The policy aims to promote holistic,
multidisciplinary and technology-led education.
Some expected changes are:
Nurturing 21st
-century skills – communication,
collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity
A shift from monologue to collaborative
learning
Moving from content-based learning to
experiential learning
Increased use of technology to aid learning
Education in India
is on the cusp of a
REVOLUTION.
Transforming from an
Instruction mode to an
Experiential mode, it is
enabling the adoption
of skills and knowledge
that will stay with
students for life.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 02

3. Trends that will shape the future of learning
The idea of a 21st
century learning space
Adaptable
Inviting
Smart
Comfortable
Safe
Revolutionising learning with change in pedagogy
Table of Contents
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 03

4. Education in India is now more about the lifelong
acquisition of skills and knowledge than simply
learning. To address that, we at Godrej Interio
have identified 4 trends that will shape the future
of learning.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 04

5. Connectedness,
Collaboration &
Co-creation
Learner-Centred
Spaces
Anywhere,
anytime learning
Technology,
An Enabler
21st
Century
Learning
Spaces
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 05

6. Connectedness,
Collaboration &
Co-creation
Adaptable | Smart
The concept of teachers addressing a room full of students is
increasingly a thing of the past. Learning can become more
effective when students actively participate in meaningful,
interactive sessions. The traditional classrooms will have to be
replaced by learning areas that allow individuals, small and
large groups to connect, collaborate and co-create, either
face-to-face or virtually.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 06

7. Anywhere,
Anytime
Learning
Adaptable | Inviting | Smart
Learning is no longer confined to the classroom; today, learning
strives to be organic and experiential. It should come as much from
textbooks and classrooms, as from the world beyond. Holistic
development of students translates into the provision of endless,
meaningful educational opportunities in a variety of settings that
are conducive to learning.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 07

8. Learner-Centred
Spaces
Adaptable | Comfortable | Safe
Learning environments must support learner autonomy and engage
them in independent as well as collaborative learning. It is essential
to create an ergonomic and comfortable environment, indoors and
outdoors. An ideal learning space should have both quiet and
collaborative zones.
Ergonomics, good posture, lighting, acoustics, ventilation and a
flexible environment that creates variation, can improve students’
experience and create a deeply engaging learning space. Only
when all the participants feel included, comfortable and safe, can
they attain their full potential.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 08

9. Technology,
An Enabler
Adaptable | Smart
Today, the teacher’s role is seen more as the “guide”. Teachers
support students as they access information and use technology to
take larger responsibility for their learning.
The role of technology in school is evolving from a confined
computer class into a versatile learning tool that has changed how
concepts are demonstrated, progress is assessed, etc. Technology is
a pre-requisite for re-designing learning spaces to enable the new
model of education.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 09

10. 21st
-century learning spaces should
accommodate the unique needs of each
student. Further, they must support the
positive human relationships needed for
effective learning, both formally and
informally. These spaces are
student-centred and tech-enabled. They
must enable individual and group
learning, encourage innovation and
foster a sense of healthy community.
The Idea of a
21st
Century
Learning
Space
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 10

11. We, at Godrej Interio bring you
the Design Blueprint for effective
21st
Century Learning Spaces.
Adaptable
Inviting
Smart
Comfortable
Safe
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 11

12. The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Adaptable
Learning spaces must be adaptable
allowing an easy switch between lecture
mode, group presentation, and
discussions. The layouts must allow for a
variety of grouping formats and lessons
that take into account students’ varying
learning styles. It should include a ME
space for reading and independent
study and a WE space for collaboration
and communication.
Spaces should be repurposed for
multiple uses through the day with
flexible furniture solutions to seamlessly
shift from individual to peer study,
presentations, role-play, debate, and
assessments in the classroom. It should
also support needs like setting up
exhibitions or workshops in the cafeteria.
1.
2.
Supports multiple learning modes in the same space and
facilitates ME & WE Work.
79% of students indicate they would like to
rearrange the furniture – to suit individual needs
and group discussions*
“
* Godrej Interio Study (Pan India)
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 12

13. The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Adaptable
94% of teachers who can
change layout agree they
can teach effectively,
compared to 40.5% who
can teach effectively but
can’t change their layout.*
“
Portable, lightweight furniture that is stable enough to be moved around
multiple times should be used.
Furniture that supports endless configurations is ideal. These modules must
interlock to create compact layouts for efficient space utilisation.
Break rooms should be provided so that students can rest and rejuvenate.
3.
4.
5.
* Godrej Interio Study (Pan India)
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 13

14. Apart from desks and chairs, the supporting furniture should
facilitate the desired learning experience:
The floor should be flat to allow easy manoeuvrability of the
furniture in order to effortlessly change layouts.
There should be enough space between modules to ensure
comfortable movement and collaboration between students
and educators.
Customisable mobile
storage should be
provided to ensure
student supplies are
within reach.
Moveable whiteboards
should be used to
maximise collaboration
and allow privacy.
The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Adaptable
6.
7.
8.
a. b.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 14

15. An ideal library can also support the various ways of
studying. Reading carrels for individual study, lounge seating
and separate discussion areas can be created to foster
collaboration.
Zones can be separated from each other while allowing for
movement and visual connection.
A
D
B
C
Adaptable Library Spaces
Silent Zone- study
alone
Quiet Zone- individual
or small group study
Informal Seating –
groups or
recreational reading
Discussion Zone –
group study
A.
B.
C.
D.
9. 10.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 15

16. We are getting briefs to incorporate learning
outside of classrooms even in rural,government
schools. We designed multiplication tables as
games on the floor...door openings showed
angles (30,45 degrees) to create opportunities to
learn outside the classroom. It helps
inculcate a sense of wonder and curiosity for the
children, that learning outside of the four walls of
a classroom is a real possibility, Dhriti, Architect *
“
The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Inviting
Encourages creativity by transforming a ‘boring,
restrictive, or intimidating’ space to one that is ‘inviting,
relaxing and invigorating.
* Godrej Interio Study (Pan India)
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 16

17. The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Inviting
Infuse colour :
Underutilised spaces like wide
corridors must be re-designed to
create semi-open spaces for
collaboration and tutoring. Different
moveable partitions and soft seating
can be used to achieve this objective.
Walls, pinboards and white-
boards should be used to
display teaching material and
artwork. It will help personalise
the space and infuse creativity.
Coloured desks and chairs can
be used to infuse colour to
create lively surroundings and
attention-grabbing décor.
1.
2.
a.
b.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 17

18. The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Inviting
Incorporate nature to increase
connectivity between indoors
and outdoors :
Natural light must be
maximised with large
glass windows and
semi-open spaces. For
interior spaces that don’t
open to the outside, the
positive effects of natural
light can be replicated
by incorporating light
fixtures with the correct
lamp temperature.
Incorporate planters in
the space to reduce
stress and anxiety,
provide visual relief and
raise environmental
consciousness amongst
students.
3.
a.
b.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 18

19. A
B
C
High traffic spaces
can be re-purposed
for interactions
between students and
educators. They can
also provide a respite
from the bustle of the
classrooms.
Playfulness can be
incorporated in
primary classes by
using shapes and
patterns for academic
and personal
development on walls
and floors.
In higher classes,
aspirations can be
cultivated using
artwork and models.
A.
B.
C.
Inviting Breakout Areas
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 19

20. 98.3% of teachers feel technology is
beneficial in classrooms*
“
The adopted technology should support
the combination of physical and digital
pedagogy desired by educators to aid
conceptual understanding and increase
engagement.
Technology must be simple, user-
friendly, and scalable for everyday use.
The learning space should be well
equipped with power and internet
access to support all devices,
irrespective of their distance from the
wall. This will help promote seamless
collaboration while working individually,
in teams of 2 or with the entire class.
Provide for walls that doubles up both
as a whiteboard and a surface for
projection, thereby facilitating
collaboration and creative learning
Cable management must be planned to
create a clean and organised learning
space. It will also reduce risks of
tripping, electrocution and fire hazard.
The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Smart
Technology helps personalise learning for students,
stimulate their curiosity and boost experiences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
* Godrej Interio Study (Pan India)
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 20

21. The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Smart
The purpose and size of the room determines sightlines and
audio requirements. Sightlines should be designed such that
users can see the whiteboard/screens.
Eliminate noise and enhance speech consistency for
audibility for effective participation.
Adaptive lighting options that support dimmed lights for
presentation mode and bright lights for learning mode must
be included.
Video conferencing solutions should be offered to promote
interaction and improve exposure to the outside world.
Technology should aid
educators as well. Spaces
should have a place for
projector, laptop, books,
wire management, and
mobility in the lectern.
Portable media units
should be used to support
all technological and
collaborative requirements
in every layout.
6.
7.
8.
11.
10.
9.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 21

22. Students’ desks and chairs should fit their requirements and provide comfort for the
long hours of sitting. Prefer using ergonomic height-adjustable desks that match
their growth every year. It will ensure that students focus entirely on learning and
are not distracted by discomfort and pain.
The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Comfortable
Keeps pace with the users’ ergonomic needs, growth,
and energy levels to reduce discomfort and improve
concentration and wellbeing.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 22

23. Students spend nearly 6–8 hours of
their day sitting, so the furniture should
accommodate their natural need to
move. Giving students options that
allow them to stay active while they
are sitting provides for enhanced
circulation and concentration
throughout the day.
The best posture is the next posture. An
active lifestyle should be encouraged
by allowing opportunities that enable
alternating postures. The use of
sit-stand desks, pouffes, bean bags
and floor cushions can be incorporated
across all learning spaces.
The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Comfortable
1.
2.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 23

24. The furniture should have rounded edges
and corners to protect students from
injury.
It should be durable, easy to use and
require low maintenance.
In spill and accident-prone areas like
laboratories, equipment that assures the
safety of users (SEFA* Compliant) must be
used.
The furniture should be certified with
minimal VOC emissions for a healthier
and safer learning environment (e.g.,
Greenguard Certified).
Furniture tested for BIFMA standards
should be adopted to ensure durability
and safety.
The 21st
Century Learning Space is
Safe
Reduces the chance of physical injury in learning spaces
and ensures better indoor environments.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 24

25. Educational institutes are entrusted with creating a safe place for students, one that allows them
to explore, learn, grow, and succeed- professionally and personally. The current environment is
rigid and fixed which does not respond to varied requirements and restricts holistic development.
Change in pedagogy, increasing adoption of technology, focus on students’ learning and
wellbeing needs to be given a huge impetus. Spaces that support multiple modes of learning –
inside and outside the classrooms is the best way forward. In conclusion, it is essential to create
new-age learning spaces that are inviting, accommodative, and encourage holistic
development.
To revolutionise learning, the
environment must aid the changes in
pedagogy and support multiple modes
of learning.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 25

26. All stakeholders – from the government, society, educators, students to parents should come together to
create a fertile ground. Students and in turn society will grow and flourish.
Godrej Interio has extensive knowledge in designing learning spaces and can partner with you to create a
learning environment that will enhance student learning and adapt to your needs in the future.
Get in touch with Godrej Interio today,
Let’s Make Space for Learning, Together.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 26

27. About Godrej interio
Godrej Interio (GI) is India’s premium furniture brand in both home and institutional segments
with a strong commitment to sustainability and centers of excellence in design, manufactur-
ing and retail.
Led by the largest in-house design team in the country in the furniture category and awarded
with 42 India Design Mark Awards till date, GI aims to transform spaces with its thoughtfully
designed furniture to create brighter homes and offices with products that have the highest
design quotient in aesthetics, functionality and technology. With consistent pursuit of
excellence and a special focus on health and ergonomics, GI’s product portfolio comprises a
massive range.
Today, we design and manufacture furniture for office spaces, homes, educational institutes,
healthcare facilities, laboratories and more. Along with furniture we offer Audio Visual and 360
Degree Turnkey solutions. Each of our product range revolves around comfort and aesthetics
while delivering well-designed, fun and functional furniture solutions. Briefly, Godrej Interio
transforms dream spaces to life!
GI commitment to the environment has resulted in manufacturing products with lesser
environment footprint. Our pioneering efforts include designing less environment burdening
products, usage of eco-friendly materials and setting up less polluting and consuming
processes, ensuring eco-friendly packaging and transportation and finally the extended
responsibility of recycling/reuse of used furniture and scrap, thus ensuring a lifecycle
approach to green.
Currently present in over 650 cities with 250 exclusive showrooms and 800 dealers, GI is one
of the largest divisions of Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., part of the Godrej Group, one of
India's largest engineering and customer product groups.
Disclaimer
This paper represents the opin-
ions of the authors and is the
product of professional
research. This report has been
prepared for the exclusive use
and benefit of the addressee(s)
and solely for the purpose for
which it is provided. Unless we
provide express prior written
consent, no part of this report
should be reproduced or
distributed. While every
attempt is made to ensure that
the information contained in
this document is true to its
best. However, Godrej and
Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., its
employees, representatives,
affiliates or any of its divisions,
etc. shall not be responsible for
any reliance made on this
paper or for any errors /
omissions in information
obtained from the source while
preparing this paper.
Design Blueprint for the 21st
Century Learning Spaces 26