QLD Chapter Pecha Kucha explores how sustainable thinking is shaping tomorrows learning environments

Our Queensland Chapter hosted its annual Pecha Kucha event, Tomorrow’s Learning Environments: Pioneering Sustainability Today in April 2026, bringing together educators, designers, architects and industry professionals to explore how sustainability is shaping the future of learning environments.

This year’s theme highlighted that sustainability extends well beyond environmental considerations alone. Presentations explored social sustainability, cultural sustainability, workplace sustainability, responsible design, student voice and the importance of creating learning environments that support communities now and into the future.

The fast-paced Pecha Kucha format challenged speakers to distil complex ideas into concise, engaging presentations, showcasing the many ways sustainable thinking can influence the places where learning happens.

A range of perspectives on sustainability

• Dr Cathryn Chatburn, Director at Urban Enquiry, opened the event by sharing insights into sustainable school master planning, highlighting the importance of aligning people, programs and place to support schools through strategic long-term planning.
• Emily Low, Partner at Harrington Low, introduced the Nature Design Guide, a tool designed to help designers and decision-makers better understand the relationship between development, nature and Country, while supporting more environmentally responsive design outcomes.
• Dominika Richards from Diecke Richards explored how social and environmental sustainability can be embedded as core values within architectural projects, demonstrating how considered design decisions can create spaces that educate and inspire their users.
• Brendan Hogan representing Interface shared the company’s approach to reducing environmental impact through sustainable materials, products and business practices, highlighting the role organisations can play in creating a more sustainable future.
• Melissa Badrak from Coorparoo Secondary College shared the school’s journey in creating new external learning and gathering spaces through student and First Nations community input, demonstrating the impact of community-led design and connection to place.
• Fleur Johnston from PeopleBench explored workforce sustainability, highlighting the importance of supporting educators and school teams through data-informed strategies that build healthier, more resilient learning communities.
• Charmaine Keal from SPARQ-ed shared the innovative opportunities being created for students through biomedical research experiences at the Translational Research Institute Australia, demonstrating how authentic learning environments can expand access to future-focused education.
• Ben Vielle from M3 Architecture explored cultural sustainability through the design of Mount Alvernia College, where architecture, landscape and interiors reflect the College's Franciscan heritage and strengthen connections between past, present and future.
• The event concluded with Lauren Tull from Balmoral State High School, who shared the school’s approach to embedding student voice into decision-making, empowering students to actively shape their learning experiences and environments.

Continuing the conversation

The evening reinforced that sustainable learning environments are created through collaboration - bringing together educators, designers, students, communities and industry partners to shape places that are resilient, meaningful and future-focused.

LEA Queensland Chapter thanks all presenters for embracing the Pecha Kucha format and sharing their knowledge, insights and experiences with the LEA community. Thank you also to Urbis Brisbane for hosting the event and supporting an evening of connection, learning and collaboration.

For those unable to attend, presenter slides and resources are available via the link below.

Photo credits: Learning Environments Australasia Queensland Chapter