Design, Learn, Repeat: Architecture to Promote Learning Organization Behavio

Since the 1990 publication of The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge, Learning Organization theory has informed countless managers on how to develop and structure competitive advantage through continual, systemic learning. However, a growing number of change managers are recognizing the role of the physical environment in shaping both individual and organizational behavior. This thesis proposes a system for identifying the characteristics of space desirable for each discipline of Senge's Learning Organization theory, as well as for a sixth discipline---Empowering Leadership---which addresses key criticisms of Senge's model. These twelve environmental variables are then employed in the design of an incubator facility for design-focused startups in the Clifton Neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. The design focuses on optimizing space for each discipline within a unified palate and familiar typology of spaces in order to promote each discipline both independently and systemically. Ultimately, the final design is conceptualized not as a perfect solution, optimized without respect to its environment, but as an example of these design values employed in a real-world scenario.;Future research may elect to revise the individual values associated with each space---thus revising the expressions leading to the final result---or simply to revise the expression of these values in the physical environment. Ultimately, the expectation is that by providing space for each discipline in turn, the physical environment can support the total learning needs of young organizations and better support their learning and long-term success.