The Learning Space as Support to Sustainable Development: A Revision of Uses and Design Processes

Abstract

In the last decade, there has been an increasing interest in the role of space in the learning process. However, there is limited research about how different Learning Spaces (LS) can lead to Sustainable Development (SD). Therefore, this paper presents a systematic literature review aimed to identify how physical, virtual, and hybrid LS have been designed and used to support SD. From an initial sample of 204 articles between 2009 and 2021 found in the Scopus database, 33 were included after inclusion criteria were applied. Findings show a wide variety of focus in the uses of LS (e.g., promote education quality, accessibility, or environmental sustainability). In general, the design process of LS implies a top-bottom approach, where students remain as passive actors. Nevertheless, it has been identified a growing interest in codesign processes that promote broader participation and bottom-top perspectives. This study contributes to orientate the understanding of the concept of LS, and looks towards inspiring new teaching and learning practices.