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Transformative Learning Spaces (for Transformative Learning)
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In this course, we explore the dynamic relationship between physical learning environments and transformative educational practices. Designed for school leaders and educators, the course examines how intentional space design can foster creativity, collaboration, and deeper learning experiences.

Participants will dig into the questions of 'why' to engage in a redesign of learning spaces, 'who' to engage with and 'how' to lead transformative change in both spaces and learning practices. We will hear from renowned architects and designers, experienced heads of school as well as analyze case studies of educational institutions that have successfully transformed their environments. We will also help participants think about what's next for them when it comes to developing realistic and sustainable plans to create inspirational and engaging learning spaces in their communities.

By the end of this course, participants will have both the visionary strategies and practical tools to lead the creation of inspiring, functional learning environments that align with their school's mission and pedagogy. 

Course dates: April 7 - May 2, 2025

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Course Outcomes:

  1. Space-Pedagogy Alignment – Participants will gain understanding of how intentional learning space design can support and enhance various pedagogical approaches and educational goals.
  2. Change Management Skills – Develop foundational knowledge of the spaces redesign process, including working effectively with architects, design and teaching teams to translate educational vision into effective teaching and learning spaces.
  3. Community Engagement and Communication – Develop strategies for engaging with key community groups — students, parents, and staff—throughout the design, construction, implementation and evaluation phases to ensure community buy-in and alignment.
  4. Practical Skills  – Participants will also be able to engage in personalized and practical discussions about capital development planning and budgeting and construction projects management in terms of people, timelines and resources.

AISH Impact Courses

AISH’s Leadership Impact courses are for four weeks, approximately 3-5 hours per week. The course Facilitators will engage you and a cohort group in practical, job-embedded discussions and activities designed for immediate application and impact.  Resources are curated and relevant and you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your experience in a forum of colleagues.


Cost: $375 (AISH Members); $575 (Non-Members)


Meet your Instructors

Christian Long
Christian earned a graduate degree focused on 'school design' prior to moving into school architecture itself. Always interested in how 'space and place' could support a school's learning values and community -- and how those values must drive any meaningful physical architecture and campus planning -- Christian has worked with and collaborated with a wide range of the world's leading school architects/planners and education design firms.   

He previously served as Chief Growth Officer for THINK Global School's 'THINK Learning Studio' consultancy; co-founder of the Wonder, By Design education design studio; VP Education for the global architecture firm CannonDesign (and co-founder of its The Third Teacher+ studio); Director of Educational Research for Huckabee Architects; and CEO/President for the global school design R+D platform DesignShare (a subsidiary of Fielding Nair International).

After 30+ years supporting transformative school design and innovation projects, Christian founded [bon]fire to help leaders, teams, and organizations honor the shared human experience of designing future possibilities together.
Marta Medved Krajnovic
With two decades of academic research and teaching experience and more than a decade in leadership and governance, Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic brings deep understanding, passion, and appreciation for international education to Western Academy of Beijing, a school with outstanding and transformative learning spaces. Before joining WAB in 2018, Marta served as the Director of Stockholm International School for five years, and previous to that she worked at the University of Zagreb as Associate Professor and Director of the Post-graduate Doctoral Program in Applied Linguistics.

Marta is currently a Board Vice-Chair of the Academy for International School Heads (AISH) and East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS). Having lived in Croatia, US, England, Ireland, Japan, Hungary, Sweden and now China, Marta has a rich appreciation for different countries, people, and cultures.