Design with a deeper understanding of how learning happens.

The spaces we design influence how students think, interact, and learn. Platinum’s AIA and IDCEC approved continuing education courses examine that connection, translating research on visual acuity, cognitive clarity, and vertical organization into practical design strategies. Explore how intentional use of walls and select materials supports clearer sightlines, safer workflows, and spaces for focused and collaborative learning.
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Featured Courses

AIA and IDCEC accredited – 1 LU | HSW

Designing for Visual Acuity and Cognitive Clarity: Vertical Space Solutions for Learning Environments

The evolution of learning environments and the principles of human-centered design are converging as we recognize the profound impact of space on cognitive function, safety, and engagement. Educational spaces are no longer static backdrops for instruction but dynamic environments that actively contribute to cognitive clarity, collaboration, and overall occupant welfare.

By integrating evidence-based design strategies, neuroeducation principles, and vertical learning systems, designers can create learning environments that support mental health, physical safety, and overall well-being. These systems encourage organization, accessibility, and sensory balance—key factors that reduce cognitive overload and enhance focus, comfort, and engagement.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand how neuroeducation connects brain science and spatial design to improve learning outcomes and occupant well-being.
  • Identify how vertical learning systems enhance cognitive clarity, visual organization, and accessibility in educational environments.
  • Explore the role of sensory integration—including acoustic, tactile, and visual stimuli—in improving focus, comfort, and engagement.
  • Apply evidence-based design principles to create organized, clutter-free learning environments that promote health, safety, and welfare.

AIA and IDCEC accredited – 1 LU | HSW

Vertical Organization Strategies for CTE, Maker, and STEAM Spaces

Career and Technical Education (CTE), Maker, and STEAM environments increasingly support project-based, tool-intensive learning, placing heightened demands on safety, supervision, and space efficiency. This course examines current trends and emerging space types shaping these environments, including robotics, fabrication, and interdisciplinary maker spaces.

Drawing from research in environmental psychology, ergonomics, and visual organization, the course explores how vertical storage strategies reduce clutter-related hazards, improve visibility and supervision, and support independent, responsible tool use. Participants will learn scalable, tiered approaches to organizing tools, materials, and equipment that enhance health, safety, and welfare while maintaining flexibility for evolving curricula.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify current trends and emerging space types influencing the design of CTE, Maker, and STEAM learning environments.

  • Explain how research in ergonomics, environmental psychology, and visual organization supports vertical storage strategies in learning spaces.

  • Differentiate organization and storage needs across common CTE space types, including robotics, fabrication, maker, and technology-rich labs.

  • Apply tiered, scalable vertical organization strategies to improve safety, supervision, and long-term flexibility in CTE and STEAM environments.

Jolene Levin

Educational Design Consultant
Course Instructor

Meet Your Instructor

Jolene Levin is a Core Instructor for the ND/LPS Certification through the Center for Neurodesign and Learning at Sam Houston State University, Past Chair of EDmarket, and recipient of the 2025 David McCurrach Award. She serves on advisory groups including B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and Design R.E.A.D.Y.

Jolene is Editor of Learninginsight, Founder of Bold Women EDU, and host of the Bold Women EDU Unfiltered Podcast. She is also a national speaker on learning environments, research, and educational design and has advised schools, universities, and organizations across Australia and the United States.

Continuing Education for Architects and Designers

Bring research-informed design strategies to your team through an in-person lunch and learn or a live virtual session. Each course offers 1 LU | HSW, with opportunities to ask questions and discuss applications for learning environments.

Platinum reports attendance for AIA credit and provides completion certificates. IDCEC participants self-report their attendance using the session information provided.

Request A CEU Session

Select a course and tell us a little about your team. We’ll contact you to coordinate the session format, availability, and details.

    Evidence & Insights

    Continue exploring the connection between space and learning. Discover research-informed perspectives on visible thinking, collaboration, and the role of learning environments in an increasingly digital world.

    Building a Thinking Classroom: How Learning Spaces Can Get Students Thinking, Moving, and Collaborating

    What happens when a classroom is designed not only for instruction, but for thinking? The rise of collaborative teaching models is changing the way...
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    The Learning Brain in the Age of AI

    Artificial intelligence is transforming education. Students can now summarize books, solve equations, generate essays, and answer complex questions in seconds.
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    Beyond Math: What Vertical Learning Can Offer the ELA Classroom

    Vertical collaboration may be most visible in mathematics, but the behaviors it supports are not subject-specific.  English Language Arts asks students to interpret, question...
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