In an era where educational design is recognized as pivotal in shaping future generations, Natural Pod is heading to LearningSCAPES 2025 to showcase the transformative power of sustainable learning environments. We’re presenting two powerful sessions that explore how intentional design can drive systemic change: from using a systems thinking approach to uncover hidden potential in learners, to leveraging school design as a crucial pathway to community resilience and closing the opportunity gap. Join us at one or both of these sessions and follow along on our social media channels for more glimpses from this exciting, future-thinking conference.
Beyond what meets the Eye: Uncovering Hidden Potential Through Innovative Modular Educational Design
In this session, we’ll dive below the surface of conventional design to explore a systems thinking approach that addresses the complexities of implementing cultural shifts in education. Drawing from innovative examples in the West Vancouver School District, we’ll demonstrate how a systems thinking approach can lead to more effective and lasting change by unlocking the hidden potential that lies at the intersection of equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
Participants will discover how biophilic elements and modular building practices can accelerate educational infrastructure, creating sustainable learning environments that enhance children’s social, cognitive, and emotional development. Our presentation will highlight how these spaces transcend traditional definitions, emerging as dynamic connection points for the community, flexible enough to adapt to evolving needs and built to support tomorrow’s learners.
“We can’t achieve equity just by redesigning a room; we have to re-design the system that supports it. Our work is about nourishing both the heart and the mind as the foundation for educational excellence.”
— Dr. Sandra-Lynn Shortall, Assistant Superintendent, West Vancouver School District
Rory Richards, CEO & Founder, NUQO
Dr. Sandra-Lynn Shortall, Assistant Superintendent, West Vancouver School District
Presenters:
- Bridgitte Alomes, CEO & Founder, Natural Pod
- Rory Richards, CEO & Founder, NUQO
- Dr. Sandra-Lynn Shortall, Assistant Superintendent, West Vancouver School District
Thrive By Design: School Design as a Pathway to Community Resilience
Physical space, thoughtfully designed, can be a powerful catalyst for change. In this session, we’ll explore how intentional school design can be a pathway to community resilience. We’ll provide an in-depth review of the growth trajectory of Thrive Elementary, a public charter school in Edmonton, Alberta, that is dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for low-income families.
The key takeaway is that an intentional vision, aimed at profoundly impacting the education system while uplifting the surrounding community, can transcend traditional educational models. This is about more than just the physical environment—it’s about the encompassing ecosystem and robust support infrastructure that collectively nurtures resilience in learners and educators alike.
“Resilience isn’t just a trait, it’s a practice—and the school building itself must be part of the support structure. When the environment is designed for connection, learners and educators are better equipped to thrive.”
— Donna Rankin-Anderson
Bridgitte Alomes, CEO & Founder, Natural Pod
Donna Rankin, Principal, Thrive Elementary
Presenters:
- Bridgitte Alomes, CEO & Founder, Natural Pod
- Donna Rankin-Anderson, Principal, Thrive Elementary
Meet the Visionaries
We are honored to have a roster of exceptional leaders presenting alongside Natural Pod at this year’s conference.
- Bridgitte Alomes, CEO & Founder, Natural Pod: A visionary leader dedicated to creating better learning environments, Bridgitte is shifting the paradigm of learning space design toward a more collaborative, intentional, and student-centric model. As a Board member of the Green Schools National Network, she is a leading voice in fostering healthy, sustainable schools across North America.
- Rory Richards, CEO & Founder, NUQO: A passionate advocate for Indigenous design and community-first development, Rory co-founded NUQO Modular, a proudly Indigenous construction company. Her commitment to creating high-quality, culturally grounded, and environmentally responsible building solutions is transforming the construction industry and empowering communities.
- Dr. Sandra-Lynn Shortall, EdD, Assistant Superintendent, West Vancouver School District: Dr. Shortall is an educational leader dedicated to driving systemic change and inclusivity in public education. She champions the importance of human connection and nourishing both the heart and the mind as the foundation for equitable access to educational excellence for all.
- Donna Rankin-Anderson, Principal, Thrive Elementary: An experienced educator and instructional leader, Donna is committed to shaping a vision of success for all students and families. As the Principal of Thrive Elementary, she has brought her passion for connection and positive environments to the Edmonton school system, where she serves as a dedicated advocate for those who need it most.
LearningSCAPES is the premier annual event hosted by A4LE, and brings together over 900 professionals—including architects, engineers, planners, designers, school facility personnel, and industry suppliers.This year’s conference is entitled, New Horizons in Learning Environments and allows attendees to collaborate on enhancing learning environments. LearningSCAPES will take place on Oct 29-Nov 1, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Natural Pod presenting at LearningSCAPES 2025?
Natural Pod is presenting two sessions focused on intentional educational design.
- Beyond what meets the Eye: Exploring a systems thinking approach to unlock hidden learner potential through innovative modular and sustainable design.
- Thrive By Design: Detailing how thoughtful school design can serve as a pathway to community resilience and help close the opportunity gap.
How does Natural Pod's educational design approach use 'systems thinking'?
Natural Pod’s first session, “Beyond what meets the Eye,” will show how a systems thinking approach in educational design addresses the complexities of cultural shifts. This method looks past conventional design to create lasting change at the intersection of equity, inclusion, and sustainability, as demonstrated by examples from the West Vancouver School District.
Which specific schools or case studies will be highlighted in the presentations?
The presentations will feature two distinct case studies:
- The session on Innovative Modular Educational Design will draw from innovative examples within the West Vancouver School District.
- The “Thrive By Design” session on Community Resilience will provide an in-depth review of the growth trajectory of Thrive Elementary, a public charter school in Edmonton, Alberta.
What role does sustainable design play in fostering community resilience?
According to the “Thrive By Design” session, intentional school design, which includes sustainable elements, acts as a powerful catalyst for community resilience. It’s about creating an encompassing ecosystem and robust support infrastructure that nurtures resilience in learners and educators, allowing schools to uplift the surrounding community and close the opportunity gap.
Who are the key presenters for the Natural Pod sessions on Educational Design?
The sessions feature a diverse group of visionary leaders in the fields of educational design and sustainable construction:
- Bridgitte Alomes (CEO & Founder, Natural Pod)
- Rory Richards (CEO & Founder, NUQO)
- Dr. Sandra-Lynn Shortall (Assistant Superintendent, West Vancouver School District)
- Donna Rankin-Anderson (Principal, Thrive Elementary)
