In a school, however, the set must have elements that the actors can interact with, elements that entertain a variety of interactions. For example, a sitting area around a fountain with moveable furniture may be treated by its users very differently than a similar area with fixed seating. Classroom configurations with moveable walls, adaptable furniture, and mobile casework are likely to encourage more learning and teaching styles than those with fixed walls, standard furniture and built-in casework. A painted mural is likely to have less educational value than an electronic mural that changes every day and perhaps allows students to express themselves artistically. Spaces need to be designed not simply to stimulate action.
Some spaces are necessary to stimulate contemplation.
In a frenetic world where external stimuli of all sorts bombard humanity from every direction, learning places need to provide some opportunity for reflection and quiet, to refresh spirit and soul. Such spaces need to be designed in a way that learners will naturally be drawn to them. They should be places where time, indeed, stands still at least for the moment.