Building Better Spaces: What’s Next for Higher Education Design in 2025

How will higher ed spaces evolve in 2025? From career-focused learning to reimagined libraries, campuses are embracing community-driven design, biophilic elements, and a renewed focus on well-being.

The educational landscape is constantly evolving, and as we look to 2025, how we approach design in our learning environments is critical to the learning outcomes and success of college students across the country. 

Today’s students need spaces that foster creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability—environments that support not only academic success but also mental well-being and community connection. 

At KI, we believe thoughtful design can transform how students learn and how both students and educators interact with their spaces. From reimagined libraries to biophilic elements that bring nature indoors, the trends emerging for 2025 reflect a desire for flexibility, functionality, and a sense of belonging.  

They aren’t just aesthetic designs — they’re purposeful, addressing the changing needs of students, faculty, and institutions as a whole. 

Here are the key trends we anticipate will shape higher education environments in 2025. 

A Renewed Focus on Career and Technical Education

As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are taking center stage in shaping the future of education. CTE bridges the gap between academic learning and hands-on experience and equips students with the technical and practical skills needed to enter the workforce.

While CTE has been growing in popularity for the past several years, the focus in 2025 will be on prioritizing flexible, durable environments and purpose-built spaces. From welding stations to robotics labs, these spaces will reflect the industrial and technical needs of the future workforce.

Mobile furniture that supports adaptable layouts and encourages innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration will drive this transformational shift in education.   

Designing for Community and Connection

Campuses are more frequently becoming hubs of connection, where academic and social lives intersect. With that in mind, every space on campus must become a space to gather in small and large groups.

When class is out of session, the classroom is a gathering space, the dining hall is a gathering space, and the student union is a gathering space. Everywhere students interact on campus provides an opportunity to come together as a community. Students need both one-on-one connection and shared experiences to feel a part of something bigger than themselves. Design techniques and furniture solutions should support the need to be part of the collective community of an institution.

This year, it will be important to design common areas, lounges, libraries, and resource centers that encourage collaboration and foster a sense of belonging and community to combat high levels of stress and student isolation. 

Integrating Nature with Biophilic Design

The integration of nature into educational environments continues to remain a priority this year. Incorporating natural light, outdoor views, natural materials, and calming color palettes enhances focus and well-being. Elements of nature not only create aesthetically pleasing spaces but also support mental health and reduce stress—another critical consideration for education spaces today. 

This year, we will see more connections between sustainability efforts on campus and biophilic design awareness. Being environmentally friendly is no longer a trendy option; for many institutions, it’s a requirement driven by student expectations, institutional goals, and global accountability. From furniture crafted with recycled materials to energy-efficient lighting and renewable energy integration, every detail matters.  

Considerations for bringing nature into the learning environment and social spaces alike are crucial for students, staff, and faculty.  

Prioritizing Wellness and Belonging

Creating spaces that prioritize mental health and wellness is essential.  

Higher education professionals have some of the highest burnout rates of any profession, and students in this age category have the highest rates of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation. 

Spaces should give students agency to choose how and where they work—whether in quiet nooks, collaborative lounges, or adaptable classrooms. This flexibility fosters a sense of control and ownership over their learning environment and supports both individual and group needs.  

Principles of Trauma-Informed Design including the incorporation of natural or soft lighting, thoughtful acoustics, open sightlines, and comfortable, inclusive furniture can create spaces that feel safe and welcoming for all students and enhance both focus and well-being.  

Quiet zones and sound-absorbing materials create an environment where students can recharge and thrive, while flexible furniture and multipurpose zones can ensure spaces are safe, accessible, and functional for students at any time of day or night.  

Reimagining Libraries and Expanding Esports on Campus

Campuses are evolving to reflect the changing role of education itself—a balance between tradition and innovation. 

The library is one location on campus we see getting a makeover. Libraries are transforming from quiet study halls into vibrant, multifunctional community hubs. For many institutions, physical books are being moved to offsite facilities opening a large footprint for new space usage. 

In libraries, flexibility is key—modular furniture, mobile shelving, and adaptable layouts allow spaces to shift seamlessly between individual study, group collaboration, and interactive workshops. Comfortable seating, integrated power access, and acoustic solutions create an inviting and functional environment for both quiet reflection and dynamic activity. 

Libraries now include collaborative zones, makerspaces, and technology-rich areas that accommodate digital learning, innovation, and even esports.  

This year, schools will continue to recognize the benefits of investing in esports to foster inclusivity, collaboration, and the development of career-ready skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability.

For esports spaces, technology takes center stage. Comfortable gaming chairs and durable benching systems support high-performance gameplay, while soundproofing and ambient lighting enhance focus and immersion.  

Additionally, shoutcasting stations, breakout rooms, lounge areas, and spectator seating can help turn these spaces into professional-grade venues, fostering competition, professionalism, and a sense of community. 

Shaping the Future of Higher Ed Spaces  

By anticipating and embracing these trends, educational institutions can create inspiring environments that foster learning, creativity, and connection. At KI, we remain committed to designing solutions that meet the evolving needs of educators and students alike. 

What trends are you excited to explore in your learning spaces? We’d love to hear your insights! Email dee.goines@ki.com or katie.clark@ki.com to share your perspectives with us.