Kidzink and Koda proudly announce the launch of Beyond the Box: How neuroscience-based design can transform the learning environment
Redesigning Learning from the Inside Out — Introducing “Beyond the Box”
Redesigning Learning from the Inside Out — Introducing “Beyond the Box”
  • Beyond the Box features world-first education design model informed by insights taken in part from UAE and wider GCC region schools
  • The book and Enriched Environment Model™ were developed by UAE-headquartered global educational design, architectural and manufacturing firms Kidzink and Koda
  • Driving innovation in the global education sector has led to the companies’ rapid growth with over 400 employees across four offices, and over 1,000+ projects in 23 countries

Kidzink and Koda are formally announcing the launch of their new book, Beyond the Box: How neuroscience-based design can transform the learning environment™, a major new publication that introduces a world-first, science-backed practical framework – The Enriched Environment Model™ – for designing schools that are aligned with how students learn, feel, and thrive.

The book, from Kidzink, an award-winning multidisciplinary design firm dedicated to making schools better, and sister company Koda, the Kidzink Office of Design and Architecture, introduces The Enriched Environment Model™ to the region’s education sector, building on its international debut earlier this year at the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture Conference in California.

Beyond the Box is about the invisible architecture of learning –  how the spaces we design for children literally shape their brains, emotions, and ability to learn. It combines over 250 studies in neuroscience and environmental psychology with real-world school insights to create a practical framework.

Developed through years of research rooted in pedagogy, neuroarchitecture and environmental psychology, The Enriched Environment Model™ provides a systemised approach to designing learning environments grounded in cognitive, emotional, sensory and socio-behavioural needs. In essence, it’s a way to design schools not just to look inspiring, but to actually enhance learning, wellbeing, and behaviour. This, and further insights within Beyond the Box, showcase case studies and learnings from over 1000 plus Kidzink projects across more than 23 countries, including a significant number across the UAE and wider Gulf region.

The seven-chapter book challenges both historical and contemporary school design, while offering neuroscience-based frameworks that act as both inspiration and practical guide for education leaders across government, school and design sectors.

The book is being introduced to the education investment community EdInvest, co-located with GESS Dubai (11–13 Nov), where Kidzink will be presenting its research to policymakers, school leaders, and investors.

Kidzink’s Director of Applied Research, Ana Mombiedro, will kick off the presentations with a talk How Neuroscience-Based Design is Transforming Learning, Investment and Human Potential, on 12 November at 10:50–11:10am at EdInvest. The presentation will explore the real impact of space on learning, the hidden ROI of design, and how Kidzink’s Enriched Environment Model™ can be used as a practical tool for educational decision-making. Also at GESS, Kidzink Founder and General Manager Charlotte Borghesi will speak alongside Taaleem COO Sam Truman on the Designing Spaces for Learning panel on 12 November at 2:20–3:20pm.

Beyond its introduction to industry leaders, the book is currently available exclusively to Kidzink and Koda clients, with a wider global release planned for 2026.

Ana Mombiedro, Director of Applied Research at Kidzink, said:

“For the first time, designers, architects and education leaders have a book that translates decades of scientific research on the brain into a practical way to design learning environments. Beyond the Box explains why space matters, how it shapes learning and well-being, and how neuroscience can be applied systematically rather than intuitively. Inside the book, The Enriched Environment Model provides the step-by-step framework that makes this possible. It is a science-backed guide that finally shows how to design schools in alignment with how humans think, feel and learn.”

Charlotte Borghesi, Founder and General Manager of Kidzink, said:

“I have dedicated my career to making schools better, because in most countries, schools still look and feel like they did generations ago. We created Beyond the Box because we believe the industry needs a call to rethink educational spaces. The work we have done to inform the book and Enriched Environment Model™has been rigorous, scientific and long overdue. Beyond the Box gives leaders, architects, investors and school groups a new foundation to build from. It proves that space is not a backdrop to learning, but an active force that can unlock human potential.”

The publication of Beyond the Box follows a significant year of global momentum for Kidzink. In October, the company won three ICONIC AWARDS in Munich for its innovative school furniture — designed and manufactured in the UAE. Kidzink has also expanded internationally with the opening of its new Singapore office, strengthening its capability to support education clients across Southeast Asia. The firm now employs more than 400 professionals worldwide, including its UAE-based manufacturing facility, and continues to shape the next generation of school design from Dubai to the world.

Launched in 2017 in Dubai, Kidzink has expanded to include offices in KSA, Spain, Singapore, and India, with more global expansion on the horizon. Through its group of companies  including Koda, its dedicated architectural practice, and Kidzink, its furniture and interior design practices,  the company offers complete educational design, strategy and consulting services, and bespoke school furniture manufacturing, all under one roof.

Centering the needs and dreams of learners, the company designs, constructs, and furnishes dynamic, adaptable, sustainable, and beautiful learning environments and communities around the world.

Kidzink’s and its group of companies’ culture is built around a shared mission to “make schools better,” but it’s the firm’s unique approach to creativity and collaboration that sets it apart. With no traditional structures or policies, Kidzink fosters an environment that values trust, autonomy, and continuous learning. The company’s commitment to design excellence, meaningful work, and high-performing teams has not just attracted but fostered award-winning professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including Architecture, Education, Project Management, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture, as well as Acoustics, Athletics, Strategy and Engineering.