School districts in Canada are part of a growing international movement that puts strong emphasis on school design to serve the diverse needs and learning styles of students for the 21st century economy. Diverse, purposeful spaces for individual and group activities, "schools within schools," support for cross-disciplinary collaboration by students and teachers and generous use of natural light are among the distinguishing features of the new approach to school construction. Advocates say teacher professional development will be needed for schools to reap the full benefits from learning-friendly architecture.