THIS WEEK

From Empty to Empowering: How This New School Unlocks Potential

Sherborne School Jeddah marks a turning point for education in Saudi Arabia. Created by Maarif Education with Steelcase as a strategic partner, the school blends global best practices with local ambition — proving how learning environments shaped by research can boost engagement, wellbeing and lifelong learning.

LEARNING

Giving Students a Place to Learn, Connect and Belong—Through Esports

Michigan State University transformed an empty classroom into an esports hub designed to help students connect, compete and build community. The space blends ergonomic gaming stations with social areas so students can gather, study and grow together.

LEARNING

A Virtual University with a Physical Space: It’s a (not virtual) Reality

German University of Digital Science is reimagining the future of learning with a university built in the metaverse, but they know human connection still requires a physical home. Partnering with Steelcase, they created a flexible, collaborative headquarters to bring that futuristic vision to life.

NEW WORK BETTER PODCAST

Rewiring Learning for an AI-Enabled World

SEASON 8 / EPISODE 5

AI is advancing so quickly that schools are struggling to keep pace. Learning‑innovation researcher Mario Chiasson argues this gap is reshaping what students need from education. Instead of memorization, priorities should shift toward critical thinking, reflection and problem‑solving which requires rethinking teacher preparation, learning environments and how students use AI to strengthen their thinking, not replace it.

New & Notable

Places and products that work better

LEARNING

Brody WorkLounge

Staying focused is harder than ever – whether you’re working, studying or doing anything that requires concentration. The more we try to block out noise and movement around us, the more energy our brains waste just trying to stay on task. The Brody WorkLounge by Steelcase Learning is designed to make focus easier. It creates a personal shelter that blocks visual distractions and offers a greater sense of privacy and comfort, so you can settle in and truly concentrate. Its mobile, modular design also makes it easy to turn unused corners, library nooks, or in‑between spaces into inviting places people actually want to use.

Editor’s Picks

What we’re talking about this week

Job postings that include the word “curiosity” have grown by 90% year over year. Why curiosity isn’t just a personal trait; it’s becoming a business imperative.

Privacy is the top need in the office today. Here are seven smart ways to add it without building a single wall.

Research shows the office isn’t meeting the moment because it isn’t adapting to how people work. Leaders from JLL and Corgan discuss what needs to change.

Let’s help make work better.