Description
Overview
Learnings / Unlearnings is an international, interdisciplinary conference examining how environmental learning can transform the spatial, institutional, and civic dimensions of education.
Hosted by The London School of Architecture, the conference takes place from 3–5 September 2026 in London. It brings together educators, architects, designers, artists, researchers, community organisations, citizens, and policymakers. Together, they consider how both formal and informal learning environments might become more inclusive, participatory, and responsive to environmental and social challenges.
Building on the Learnings / Unlearnings conference held in Stockholm (2024), this edition extends the dialogue to reflect on how pedagogical spaces within and beyond institutions shape democratic engagement, civic participation, and ecological responsibility.
Why attend
The conference creates space for critical exchange across disciplines, sectors, and forms of practice.
Participants will:
- Engage with international research and practice addressing environmental learning and spatial justice
- Explore how architecture, design, and artistic practice can support more inclusive and participatory educational models
- Share methods and case studies applicable to teaching, research, and civic practice
- Build networks across education, the built environment, and community‑led initiatives
Who the conference is for
Learnings / Unlearnings welcomes:
- Educators and researchers in architecture, design, environmental learning, and related fields
- Architects, spatial practitioners, designers, and artists
- Community organisations and grassroots groups engaged in learning or spatial practice
- Policymakers and practitioners working across education, culture, and the built environment
- Postgraduate students interested in pedagogy, participation, and environmental practice
Aims and key questions
The conference will explore:
- How can environmental learning reimagine sites and spaces of education to be more accessible and inclusive?
- In what ways can collaborative practices across art, design, and architecture enhance civic engagement and widen participation in higher education and the built environment?
- What histories, theories, and practices have shaped environmental learning, and how might these inform future pedagogical design and student engagement?
Conference strands
Institutional Space
Critical perspectives and case studies examining how institutional architectures, spatial arrangements, and material cultures shape learning and teaching.
Edge Conditions
Partnerships between institutions and external organisations, with a focus on co‑creation, reciprocity, and participatory practice.
Civic Space
Research and practice led by community, civic, and grassroots organisations, exploring how spatial and ecological practices support learning beyond institutional settings.
Format
Across three days, the conference will include:
- Plenary talks from invited speakers
- Workshops and facilitated discussions
- Performances and other practice‑based contributions
Together, these formats will support shared learning, exchange, and reflection across diverse contexts.
Further information and enquiries
For questions about registration or attendance, please contact learningsunlearnings@gmail.com.
Additional information about the conference, including the call for abstracts, is available on the conference website.
Cancellation policy
The London School of Architecture recognises that a change in circumstances can sometimes be unavoidable and that delegates who register for a scheduled event may need to withdraw or change their original registration.
If you are unable to attend this scheduled Learnings/Unlearnings Conference you are booked on, you may request to substitute another person to attend in your place provided you notify us in writing by emailing learningsunlearnings@gmail.com at least five working days before the event.
Refunds are calculated as follows upon receipt of the written request to learningsunlearnings@gmail.com
- On or before 1 August 2026: The London School of Architecture will retain 0% of the fees due
- After 1 August 2026: The London School of Architecture will retain 100% of the fees due
- In the unlikely event of The London School of Architecture cancelling the Learnings/Unlearnings Conference, all fees paid will be refunded, however The London School of Architecture will not be liable for any other costs or losses incurred.
