The Finnish Classroom Environment: How Design and Atmosphere Enhance Learning
July 9, 2025
July 9, 2025
Imagine stepping into a classroom where everything feels calm, warm, and alive.
As you open the light wooden door, the first thing you notice isn’t rows of desks or a blackboard—it’s space. Open, inviting space filled with soft daylight pouring through wide windows. You hear the gentle hum of students collaborating, not the loud clatter of chairs or buzzing lights. To your left, a group of children sits on colorful cushions in a reading corner, flipping through picture books near a shelf made of natural birch. To your right, a few older students are sketching quietly around a large round table. There’s no “front of the classroom” here—just learning zones, each with its own purpose. The walls are soft-toned, decorated with student artwork. There's a cozy nook near the window with beanbags, where a boy is deep into a science podcast. In another area, a teacher is crouched beside a group of learners working on a project—not standing at a podium, but moving with them. Everything—furniture, lighting, layout—feels designed for comfort, curiosity, and connection.
This is a Finnish classroom. And it’s changing the way we think about learning.
Can Classroom Design Shape Learning Outcomes?
Now think! What if the key to better learning isn’t just the teacher or the curriculum—but the space itself? In Finland, a country known for its pioneering education system, classrooms are not simply rooms with desks and chairs. They are thoughtfully designed environments built around the needs of students—spaces that promote focus, creativity, and well-being.
While many education systems focus heavily on academic reform, Finland has quietly embraced a powerful idea: how children feel in a classroom shapes how they learn. This blog explores the unique elements of the Finnish classroom environment—from open layouts and natural light to comfortable furniture and calming design—and how each of these contributes to an optimal learning experience. If you're a teacher, student, or school manager curious about how the physical setting can uplift education, read on.
At the heart of Finnish school architecture is a simple yet transformative belief: learning environments should be human-centered. This means classrooms are not seen as fixed, lifeless boxes where students passively receive knowledge. Instead, they are dynamic, responsive spaces—places that grow and adapt alongside the children inside them. Everything about a Finnish classroom is designed with purpose. From the way sunlight enters the room to the arrangement of furniture, the goal is always the same: to support the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and socially. This approach is deeply rooted in Finland’s National Core Curriculum, which doesn’t just focus on academic achievement. It emphasizes values like:
And these values don’t stop at textbooks or lesson plans—they are literally built into the architecture. Hallways become gathering places. Classrooms blend into common spaces. There are soft corners, creative zones, and quiet areas—each thoughtfully placed to reflect how learning actually happens. As Finnish architect Jussi Pajunen explains,
“The school building must support the pedagogy. Architecture is not just a container for education—it is part of the pedagogy itself.”
This mindset shifts the role of the physical environment. No longer just a backdrop, the Finnish classroom environment becomes an active participant in the learning process. In short, the classroom doesn’t just hold education—it teaches it.
Forget the traditional image of a classroom: rows of identical desks, all facing forward, eyes fixed on a chalkboard. In Finland, this setup is the exception—not the rule.
Finnish schools are redefining what a classroom looks and feels like. Many adopt open-plan designs with no clear front or back. Instead of rigid walls, you'll often see movable partitions, glass dividers, and multi-use spaces that change depending on the learning activity. These layouts aren’t just stylish—they serve a practical and pedagogical purpose. The goal is to remove both physical and symbolic barriers. When students aren’t stuck in fixed positions, they can move more freely, interact more naturally, and take ownership of their learning. Imagine walking into a Finnish classroom. You might see:
These flexible arrangements do more than look good—they support key educational goals like collaboration, independence, and creativity. Students learn that there are many ways to solve problems and many ways to engage with their peers.
One excellent example is Saunalahti School in Espoo. Here, open spaces connect seamlessly with smaller, quieter nooks. Students might shift from working on a group science project in one corner to reflecting alone with a book in another. The freedom to choose where and how to work empowers students to manage their own focus, energy, and learning pace.
Even the walls in Finnish schools are often mobile. Need a bigger space for a joint art and math activity? Just slide the wall open. Want a quieter corner for reading? Close it back up. These adaptive environments support a fluid learning experience, where classrooms respond to the day’s needs rather than force lessons to fit the space.
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Step into any modern Finnish school, and you'll immediately notice something subtle yet powerful: light.
Not the flickering buzz of fluorescent bulbs, but the soft, natural glow of daylight streaming through wide windows. In Finnish classrooms, light is more than a matter of visibility—it’s a deliberate design choice that supports the mind and body of every student. Architects and educators in Finland work together to ensure classrooms are flooded with as much natural light as possible. You’ll often see:
These features do more than make schools look modern. They act as scientifically-backed tools that support learning. Research consistently shows that natural light:
In essence, daylight helps students feel better, think better, and learn better.
But Finland doesn’t stop at windows. The connection to nature is a central part of school life. Many schools are built near forests, lakes, or open fields, and some are surrounded by woodlands that become part of the learning environment. It’s not uncommon for a school schedule to include:
And yes—students really do learn outdoors, not just during recess, but as part of formal instruction. Many schools have dedicated outdoor classrooms or “forest classrooms,” where benches and blackboards are placed under the trees. Imagine solving math puzzles under the shade of a birch tree or reading poetry while listening to the soft rustle of leaves and birdsong. In Finland, this isn’t a field trip—it’s part of a weekly routine. This connection to the natural world creates a powerful sense of calm, curiosity, and balance. Students are not just learning about the environment—they are learning through it.
Have you ever tried concentrating on a lesson while sitting in a stiff chair with your feet barely touching the ground? It’s distracting, tiring, and discouraging. In Finland, this kind of discomfort has no place in the classroom. Finnish educators recognize a key truth: physical comfort is directly linked to mental focus. When students are at ease, they can listen more attentively, participate more actively, and retain information more effectively. That’s why Finnish classrooms are furnished with care. The design doesn’t just meet basic needs—it responds to the diverse preferences and postures of growing children. You’ll often find:
This variety creates a flexible learning environment, where students have the freedom to choose not only what they learn, but how and where they learn best.
A student might begin the morning sitting at a desk working on a science worksheet, then move to a low cushioned bench in the afternoon to read a book. During group projects, they might stand at a high table with teammates or even spread out on the floor with markers and paper.
And these choices aren’t just for fun—they are encouraged as part of Finland’s student-centered approach. The idea is to respect each learner’s comfort zone and give them agency over their own experience.
Want to read while lying down? Go ahead. Prefer to stand while brainstorming ideas with your classmates? There’s a desk designed just for that.
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Have you ever tried to learn in a classroom filled with echoes, background chatter, or air that feels thick and stale? It’s more than just uncomfortable—it’s exhausting. Noise, poor ventilation, and extreme temperatures make it difficult for students to concentrate, stay alert, or feel at ease.
In Finland, these environmental details are not afterthoughts—they are considered essential components of quality education. Just as much thought goes into a classroom’s sound and air as into its teaching materials. Why? Because when students feel physically distracted or uncomfortable, their ability to learn drops significantly. To address this, Finnish schools are built with high indoor environmental quality in mind. This includes:
These features are not just about comfort—they’re about protecting students’ cognitive energy. When classrooms are quiet, fresh, and temperature-controlled, students don’t waste mental effort trying to filter noise, breathe better, or stay warm. Instead, they can fully engage with the lesson in front of them. Teachers also benefit. A calm, well-ventilated space improves voice clarity, reduces fatigue, and supports smoother classroom management. With fewer distractions, everyone—students and staff—can focus on what truly matters: learning.
Fun fact: Finnish building regulations include specific acoustic and air quality standards for schools, ensuring consistency across the country.
In addition to light, sound, and comfort, the look and feel of a classroom—the colors, textures, and visual design—have a powerful effect on students’ emotions and ability to concentrate. In Finnish schools, this is well understood. The visual environment isn’t cluttered or overstimulating. Instead, it’s calm, clean, and thoughtfully designed to promote a sense of security, focus, and emotional balance. Finnish classrooms often use:
Together, these design choices create a classroom atmosphere that feels welcoming, peaceful, and safe—a space where students can breathe deeply, think clearly, and engage in learning without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of loud motivational posters or harsh fluorescent lighting, you might see a corner wall softly lit by a floor lamp, decorated with student-created artwork. Children’s drawings, crafts, or photography are displayed with care, adding color and meaning to the space while also giving students a sense of pride and ownership.
This approach to “visual calmness” is especially valuable for children who are sensitive to their environment, such as those with sensory processing challenges, anxiety, or attention difficulties. In a visually soothing space, students feel less stress and more control—conditions that are essential for deep, meaningful learning.
One of the most remarkable features of Finnish classrooms is how they’re organized—not around the teacher, but around the students.
Rather than sticking to a single, fixed layout with rows of desks, Finnish classrooms are divided into flexible zones, each designed to support different types of learning and interaction. This spatial diversity recognizes that students learn in many different ways—some thrive in group discussions, others need quiet time to reflect, and some learn best through hands-on activity. In a typical Finnish classroom, you might find:
These spaces are not rigid or assigned. Students are given the freedom to move between them throughout the day, depending on the task and their personal needs. This helps them develop self-awareness and a sense of responsibility over how they learn.
What makes this even more powerful is that students often have a say in how these zones are arranged. Teachers invite their input when organizing the space or changing the layout. In some schools, children help design reading areas, choose colors, or suggest how to improve a workspace. This involvement builds a stronger connection to the classroom and promotes ownership and pride. And while the classroom supports individual preferences, it also encourages a sense of community. Shared spaces for group work and dialogue help students build social skills, learn to negotiate, and experience being part of a learning team.
The result is a learning environment that adapts to students—not the other way around. Whether a child needs quiet focus, creative freedom, or collaborative energy, the classroom provides the right space at the right time.
In many traditional classrooms around the world, the teacher stands at the front of the room, delivering lessons while students sit quietly in rows. In Finland, this image is largely outdated. Here, the classroom space itself helps reshape the teacher’s role—from the sole authority at the center to a facilitator, guide, and learning partner.
Instead of dominating the room from a podium or fixed desk, Finnish teachers move fluidly around the space. They sit with students during small group activities, observe quietly during individual work, or join in discussions from within the learning circle—not above or apart from it. In many classrooms, you won’t even find a traditional “teacher’s desk.” Why? Because the layout is designed to promote equality, approachability, and shared ownership of the learning environment. The message is clear: “We are all part of this community.” This doesn’t mean teachers are less respected. On the contrary—teachers in Finland are highly trained professionals, often holding master’s degrees, and enjoy great public trust. But their role is based on collaboration, not control. They guide students to take more responsibility, ask better questions, and discover answers through exploration.
The flexible design of Finnish classrooms supports this approach. Teachers can easily move between groups, rearrange spaces for different activities, and adapt their teaching to the day’s needs. If a lesson requires focused individual writing, the room becomes calm and quiet. If it’s time for a lively science experiment, desks can be pushed aside and materials brought out. The space and the teacher respond together to the rhythm of learning.
Many schools also use co-teaching models, where two or more teachers share responsibility for a group of students. In these settings, the physical space is even more dynamic—allowing for smaller breakout areas, rotating stations, or differentiated instruction that meets each student at their level.
From the moment you walk into a Finnish classroom, this is clear. The lighting is gentle, the colors are soft, and the spaces feel open but not overwhelming. There are places to focus, places to socialize, and places to take a break. The overall feeling is not rushed or stressful—it’s intentional and balanced.
This is no accident. Finnish classrooms are carefully designed to promote predictability and comfort, especially for younger learners. Routines are supported by clear zones within the space—children know where to go for quiet reading, where to gather for discussion, and where they can be creative or playful. This structured yet flexible layout helps reduce anxiety and confusion. Clutter is kept to a minimum, surfaces are organized, and visual noise is avoided. These details might seem small, but they contribute to a larger goal: helping students feel mentally clear and emotionally steady. A tidy, calm space gives students a sense of control and allows their minds to focus.
One particularly powerful feature in many Finnish classrooms is the presence of “soft spaces”—cozy corners with rugs, cushions, or even soft lighting where students can go if they need to rest, think, or reset. These aren’t punishments or time-outs. They are safe, welcoming spots where a child can pause, breathe, and return when they’re ready. These spaces are especially helpful for children who experience:
In many schools, teachers also intentionally incorporate emotional learning into their classroom routines, teaching students to recognize their feelings, manage stress, and support each other. The physical design of the classroom reinforces these lessons by providing an environment that reflects care, patience, and trust.
Everything we’ve explored so far—from flexible layouts and natural light to calming materials and emotional safety—can be seen in action across Finland. These aren’t abstract ideals or future plans. They are real features of real schools, experienced by thousands of students every day.
Let’s take a closer look at three Finnish schools that bring these principles to life:
Located in a modern district of Helsinki, Kalasatama School is a shining example of how architecture and education can work hand in hand. The school serves children from preschool through lower secondary and is designed to reflect the principles of collaboration, openness, and well-being.
Classrooms are open and airy, often separated by glass walls that maintain quiet while letting in natural light. Instead of being limited to one classroom, students move between different learning zones, including tech labs, art spaces, and reading lounges.
The school’s rooftop area even includes outdoor learning spaces, where lessons continue under the open sky, connecting students to the world around them.
Often cited as one of Finland’s most innovative schools, Saunalahti School was built with the idea that “learning happens everywhere.” The entire building functions as a giant learning landscape, not just a series of separate rooms.
There are no long, closed hallways. Instead, the school flows naturally from space to space. Students may start their day in an open multipurpose area, then move to small group pods for specific lessons. Each space is visually distinct but seamlessly connected.
Located in the heart of eastern Finland, Jynkänlahti School shows how even in colder regions, classrooms can stay deeply connected to nature and flexibility.
This school is built near forests and nature paths, and outdoor learning is a regular part of the curriculum—even in the snow! Teachers incorporate forest walks, outdoor science experiments, and winter sports into everyday lessons, making use of the school’s natural surroundings.
Inside, classrooms reflect the same balance of calm and creativity. Walls are painted in earth tones, student work is displayed with care, and every classroom includes a chill-out zone with soft seating and warm lighting. The school also uses adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs so that children of different sizes can find comfort.
You don’t need a million-euro renovation to apply Finnish principles. Here are some starting points:
It’s not about copying Finnish schools—it’s about learning what works for students, wherever you are.
Reading about Finland’s classroom environment is inspiring—but seeing it in action is transformative.
When you walk into a Finnish classroom:
At TechClass, we help educators, school leaders, and researchers arrange personalized school visits across Finland. Meet teachers, observe classes, explore buildings—and leave with ideas that can spark change in your own community.
Want to witness this magic for yourself?
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