What can space really do for learning?
Space encourages behaviors. Space can frustrate behaviors. If we look at learning as composed of activities, quite simply, a space should be designed to facilitate the behavior associated with the optimal execution of these activities (while simultaneously minimizing the barriers to these behaviors).
Why this specific set of readings?
The psychology of ownership is important insofar as it can either encourage learners to (or discourage learners from) optimizing the space for the execution of activity. Optimizing not only encompasses full use of the space, but also the willingness and desire to improve it. Additionally, when you own a space, you achieve a level of comfort that enables a focus on task without the need to attend to other emotional issues. '' Alex Bernadotte''
You make such a good point about the psychology of ownership. So much of the “success” of a particular space depends on a user’s willingness to not only improve it but to use it in the way in which it is intended. When I think about my experiences in the world of non profits, even some of the most resource-limited organizations were able to promote learning in their spaces because of exactly the qualities you describe about the psychology of ownership.