I tried to comment yesterday but my thoughts were too muddled

How does building design affect learning? Can better designs improve learning?

What about old schools? Can they be repurposed the same way old industrial buildings have been? or Can we turn old industrial buildings into schools?

Robert Scoble has an interesting post about Microsofts new research facility

Obviously a multi billion dollar company can do what it wants but I think there are important lessons for any education facility.