Underutilized Real Estate in Education Spaces

We all remember the bustling hallways full of people going between classes and common areas in education buildings, swarming with learners and educators alike. For decades, these “in-between spaces” were simply transitional zones intended to funnel students from one place to another with no higher purpose.

Fortunately, there is a shift in how these transitional spaces can be utilized to a student’s benefit. Architects and designers are taking notice and are truly understanding how these areas can be activated to deeply impact and augment one’s experience and interactions within educational environments. They recognize that learning is evolving, and these overlooked areas are becoming some of the most valuable square footage on campus.

When designed with intention, in-between spaces can shift from underutilized real estate to supportive environments that strengthen community, belonging, and academic success.

Why In-Between Spaces Matter

Today, students want choice. Hybrid schedules, varied learning styles, and the need for social connection have changed how students move through their day. Having options and flexibility gives students a choice in how they learn. Spaces that offer both connection and privacy, noisy and muted, group and solo options, help meet students’ needs and feel heard.  Every student learns and thinks differently, and their study spaces should reflect that. In-between spaces can become places where students form community, discover independence, and feel grounded on campus outside of the traditional classroom.

Underutilized real estate, such as hallways, lounges, common areas, and even outdoor spaces, can be transformed into multipurpose workspaces where students are free to collaborate, learn, socialize, build relationships, and be inspired while remaining comfortable and supported.

Design for Comfort, Flexibility, and Inclusion

Comfort is not a luxury—it’s an academic enabler. When furniture feels inviting and inclusive, students naturally stay longer and engage more deeply.

Large, open areas bustling with students can be overstimulating or distracting. Furniture, such as the Brody Desk, supports privacy and helps give a sense of security, separating them from distractions or giving them better sensory control. Other items, such as height-adjustable or wheelchair-accessible desks, also help support both physical and neurodivergent needs without making students feel separated from their peers.

Often, in-between spaces are sparsely furnished, and the seating options are rigid. But flexibility invites possibilities. Furniture pieces like the Lagunitas Lounge not only provide comfort but can also be configured to encourage collaboration or as a more private study area. Movable tables, soft seating, and modular partitions let students shape the space to fit how they learn best.

The Opportunity Ahead

In-between spaces aren’t wasted space—they’re opportunity. With thoughtful design and the right tools, they become vibrant hubs that enrich academic life, support diverse learners, and strengthen campus culture.

When activated with intention, the spaces between classrooms can become spaces where learning truly thrives.

If you would like to learn more about using your education spaces to their full potential, click here.