Spaces4Learning 2025 Trends in Higher Education
With 2025 well underway, it’s time to take a look at some broader trends submitted by you, our Spaces4Learning readership. We asked for your thoughts on topics like classroom design, health & safety, materials & construction, and technology in both K–12 and higher-education environments. Below is a roundup of 2025 trends in higher education from the experts in the trenches.
Topic: Materials & Construction
Our firm recently started construction of a new base of operations for nonprofit Homeworks Trenton, a weekday after-school residential program for marginalized young women. The renovation and expansion of a three-century-old structure (completion expected in 2025) will result in a dorm-style residence for 40-plus scholars and live-in staff located close to two Trenton, N.J. public schools. It’s a great organization, and it’s the kind of model for housing we think will gain traction in the coming year, because of what it offers: a boutique dorm experience with community built in. It’s an effective model that can benefit universities and colleges, not just this unique organization.
It’s easy for students to get lost in the shuffle of university housing, and finding your community can be especially challenging. Instead of building giant dorm complexes, universities can and should look into adapting smaller facilities near or on campus, as small community dormitories – not fraternities or sororities, but smaller communities of 20-40 sharing a house-scale building. This approach is more accessible, alleviates social anxiety issues and smooths the transition from home life to the university. And it helps that many smaller reuse projects likely cost much less to complete than a huge new dormitory.
Joshua Zinder, AIA, LEED AP, Managing Partner at JZA+D in Princeton, N.J.
Topic: Technology
In 2025, we’ll continue to see universities and campuses become microcities, and AI-equipped smart technology will be essential for this evolution. Smart city and autonomous technologies will make this a reality and transform campus life and safety. For example, universities can use data to optimize traffic flow, provide real-time updates on available parking spots, and use smart technology to aid in planning efforts for development. Universities can integrate smart sensors into building controls to optimize energy use based on occupancy, monitor air quality and temperature, and immediately alert security to potential threats. Camera sensors can detect potential threats, such as weapons or the sounds of gunshots, directing an emergency response before anyone has even dialed 9-1-1. Campus safety, efficiency, and health will be a huge focus as we enter the new year, and smart technology will continue to be at the forefront of campus innovations.
Erin McDannald, CEO of Lighting Environments and its sister companies, Elevated and Environments.
Topic: Health & Safety
In 2025, high-traffic buildings such as school facilities will continue to need repairs and upgrades. Reliable HVAC systems are essential in schools to keep people cool and comfortable. It is essential to choose composite HVAC diffusers that can significantly reduce condensation on the diffuser, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and no mold. Aluminum and steel air diffusers are a leading cause of water and mold damage because they are prone to condensation buildup. Once a surface is damp, it only takes 1-2 days before mold grows, resulting in necessary costly repairs. Composite HVAC diffusers represent a shift in thinking about building materials and design, raising broader questions about longevity and environmental impact in the industry.
Marc Mascarello, Head of Design at Invi Air
Topic: Technology
Interdisciplinary instruction in higher education is on the rise as institutions seek to break down the silos between fields of study and help students put theory into practice. In 2025, we will see more colleges and universities embracing the types of spaces and technologies that lend themselves to this type of instruction. As institutions plan new buildings or classroom renovations, they will increasingly look to build large, flexible classroom/workshop areas that are designed to be scalable for a variety of uses, including interdisciplinary courses. Spaces will be designed to handle 200 students just as easily as 20 students. They will be equipped with technology to handle many types of projects, such as linking together multiple interactive projectors to make one large interactive surface for collaborative learning. And they will be physically connected to makerspaces – extending the instructional options beyond traditional classroom use.
Nick Swayne, President, North Idaho College
Topic: Technology
As theatrical projection technology becomes more affordable and more powerful, we will continue to see educational spaces and theatre programs embrace new dynamic multimedia experiences. Projection is the newest theatrical design discipline, and as educational art and drama programs advance, they’ll want to incorporate projection and teach it alongside other theatre tech courses, possibly allowing students to discover a new passion. The art of projection design also crosses over with cinematography and video editing, allowing new collaborations between departments.
High-lumen laser projectors, like Epson’s EB-PU line, offer increased brightness and precision, allowing production teams to create vivid, seamless visuals that span across unconventional surfaces, bringing new depth and dimension to performances. Incorporating projection into a theatrical performance used to require extremely expensive gear and costly specialist labor, but modern projectors can be safe, lightweight, and nearly plug-and-play.
As audiences demand more interactive and visually compelling experiences, the integration of visual technology like projection will become a standard across theaters. By combining creativity with cutting-edge equipment, the performance industry is set to redefine engagement, setting new benchmarks for what live theater can achieve.
Colby Nordberg, lead technician for the dance department’s theater, Kennesaw State University
Topic: Technology
It is important for AV technology to be effective, offering big bright images that can easily be seen from the back of a classroom or auditorium. The technology must also be easy for tech teams to install and manage. In 2025, colleges and universities will increasingly gravitate toward smaller, more efficient projectors that are convenient to install, and that can be managed remotely. The new generation of laser projectors have features to make installation and management easier, including cloud-based projector fleet management and Near Field Communication (NFC) capability for faster setup and installation. These features will be in-demand in 2025 as colleges and universities look for technology that melds function, flexibility and convenience.
–Ramzi Shakra, Senior Product Manager for Large Venue Projectors, Epson America.