Key facts
- Brain-SET uses 3 Pillars of Design and 16 Design Elements.
- Pillars and elements support Survival, Emotional, and Thinking brain needs.
- Full overview: Pillars and Elements.
The Brain-SET Environments Formula® uses 3 Pillars of Design and 16 Design Elements to create learning spaces that support the Survival, Emotional, and Thinking needs of the brain.
Created by Dr Kathryn Murray, the framework helps educators move beyond “pretty classrooms” to environments that calm the nervous system and unlock thinking, play, and learning.
The 3 Pillars of Design
Each pillar aligns with the S.E.T. levels of the brain. Each pillar includes several design elements that should appear across multiple learning spaces in the room.
- Design for Learning — supports Thinking brain engagement through purposeful, open-ended, playful opportunities
- Feelings for Learning — supports Emotional connection, belonging, and relationships in the space
- Spaces for Learning — supports Survival needs through safer, calmer, clearly defined zones within the larger classroom
Why small defined spaces matter
Brain-SET emphasises many smaller “rooms” within one large classroom. Defined spaces give children autonomy and security as they move from one learning area to another. Carefully curated materials in each space are essential to calming the brain and sustaining engagement.
The 16 Design Elements
Across the three pillars, Brain-SET weaves 16 Design Elements through the classroom. These elements guide educators when setting up and refining environments so Survival, Emotional, and Thinking needs are met repeatedly — not only in one corner of the room.
Educators explore the full element set in Brain-SET training, coaching, and mentoring, including how to apply them indoors and outdoors without expensive renovations.