From Classrooms to Communities: Designing for Belonging

NeoCon Presentation Description: Belonging is a defining priority for the future of learning, shaping well-being, purpose, and performance while influencing how institutions measure success. As academic environments evolve, strengthening human connection is an imperative. A multi-phase research study by The Ohio State University and Gensler examined how spatial design impacts belonging across students, faculty, and staff. The research identified conditions that support or constrain interaction and found that flexibility, hybrid readiness, biophilic strategies, and inclusive informal space can strengthen connection, enhance well-being, and influence campus culture. This CEU session translates research into actionable design strategies for human-centered planning and spatial innovation. Through concepts such as Pocket Spaces, Campus Outposts, and Living Classrooms, attendees will learn how intentional design can foster collaboration, equity, and shared identity while elevating curiosity, connection, and well-being.

Michael Schur, AIA, LEED AP

Global Wellness Practice Leader

Gensler

Michael Schur, AIA, LEED Global Wellness Leader, Gensler As a Global Wellness Leader, Michael leads a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to delivering holistic design solutions that improve physical and emotional wellbeing, support equity, and empower individuals, communities, and organizations. A strategic connector across practices and a licensed architect with over 15 years of experience, he is driven by the belief that design has the power to transform human experiences and outcomes. Based in Gensler’s Chicago office, Michael works across the globe on complex, future-shaping projects spanning healthcare, education, and wellness projects. Working with industry-leading clients, Michael bridges the gap between strategy and design to identify impactful, people-centered ideas and bring them to life. He frequently writes and speaks about the future of health and wellness and leads research on topics ranging from inclusion to health to digital clinical environments, and more. Wes LeBlanc Strategy Director and Principal, Gensler Wes is an economist that employs real estate analysis, financial due diligence, and market assessments to help stakeholders interpret data and make meaningful project decisions. In his role as a Strategy Director based in Gensler’s Chicago office, he leads a team of professionals focused on quantitative analysis, including economists, market analysts, business planning professionals, urban planning professionals, economic development specialists, and statisticians. His diverse experience spans across more than 300 projects in the U.S. and around the globe for a range of public and private corporations, developers, institutions, and governments. He specializes in complex, ambiguous, and multidisciplinary assignments.

Rebekah Matheny, NCIDQ, IIDA

Associate Professor | Interior Design | Department of Design

The Ohio State University

With 20+ years in the industry, Professor Matheny bridges academia and design practice through her research, teaching, and consulting. As a certified futurist, Rebekah integrates sustainable design research and process tools in the areas of retail, workplace, and higher education design. Her research investigates the sensory experience of environments to forge meaningful connections between people, products, brand purpose, and physical place to foster stronger relationships and improve wellbeing. She has been published in academic and professional journals and presented at conferences around the world.

Stephanie Orr, MS

Director, Learning and Collaborative Environments

The Ohio State University

Stephanie Orr has spent more than two decades at The Ohio State University leading initiatives that shape the future of academic technology and learning environments. As Director of Learning and Collaborative Environments, she oversees interdisciplinary teams spanning audiovisual, interior design, and user support. Her work integrates space, technology, pedagogy, and user insight to create accessible, user-friendly learning environments. Stephanie and her team champion standards that promote equitable, high-quality experiences across classrooms, study spaces, and maker studios, reflecting a strong commitment to innovation and human-centered design in higher education.

Stasia Suleiman, NCIDQ, IIDA

Interior Design Director

Gensler

Stasia has dedicated her career to designing impactful educational environments. For more than two decades, she has led leadership teams through strategic planning, visioning, and interior design for complex facilities. Her expertise delivers innovative, sustainable, and holistic design solutions that advance operations and experience. A dynamic leader, Stasia brings a deep understanding of the physical, mental, and social factors influencing experience, while remaining mindful of financial and aesthetic considerations. Her work has been featured in Interior Design Magazine, Architectural Record, and Metropolis. She frequently speaks on design trends and serves in leadership roles with IIDA and AMFP.

Janeallison (Jane) Ortega, NCIDQ, ASID, IIDA

Strategist and Interior

Gensler

Janeallison Ortega, ASID, NCIDQ, is a strategist and interior designer specializing in higher education environments where belonging, well‑being, and learning outcomes intersect. Her work spans classrooms, libraries, learning commons, and student‑life spaces, with a focus on designing environments that enable connection, reduce isolation, and support the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff. She integrates evidence‑based and trauma‑informed design methodologies through research partnerships with Gensler, the Trauma‑Informed Design Society, and CEU development for ASID’s Gather conference. Janeallison contributes to national design discourse through NeoCon juries, mentorship, and panels - advancing research‑informed strategies that help campuses cultivate purpose, curiosity, and inclusive community.

This content will not be available until 06/07/2026 at 8:00 AM (EDT)